ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 28, 1996 TAG: 9601300018
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Antiques & Designs
SOURCE: KATHY SUE GRIGG
In the 16th century through the 17th and most of the 18th, mourning rings were given to family and friends.
Early wills often had a sum of money set aside for these rings to be made. Wealthy families gave out several hundred of such mementos.
Most of the rings were simple gold bands. Inscribed within the loop was the name of the deceased and the date. But some were real works of art: a miniature painting of the one who was being mourned or with crystals cut to resemble a skull. Some had hair of the deceased placed inside a glass encasement.
Gold threads were often used under the glass, along with fine filigree gold art.
In the 16th century, the mourning rings were the simple gold bands though pearls and diamonds may have been included.
By the 17th century, the use of hair was introduced. Then in the 18th century, the tiny black and white painting of the deceased was used.
It seemed that this practice sort of faded sometime in the late 18th century, although there was a brief period of the revival of mourning ring customs in the mid-19th century.
I once saw a mourning ring that was decorated with hair. It was rather odd looking, and the ring was fairly large. It was a sweet little locket of hair with a curl.
I would imagine that only family and close friends would receive one of this nature. The I saw belonged to the owner's great grandmother.
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB