SKU: 83176466333

Early Victorian Ouroboros Intaglio Mourning Ring ; Circa 1840

Sale price$705.58 Regular price$783.98
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 13 - Jul 18

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Early Victorian Ouroboros Intaglio Mourning Ring ; Circa 1840This exceptional and rare mourning ring is a masterclass in the emotional language of 19th century sentimental jewellery. Designed with remarkable care and layered symbolism, it stands apart as an object of both profound sentiment and extraordinary craftsmanship. At first glance, the ring presents as a classic signet style panel ring, set with a beautifully banded agate. Amazingly we have finely engraved upon the agate a delicate butterfly encircled

This exceptional and rare mourning ring is a masterclass in the emotional language of 19th century sentimental jewellery. Designed with remarkable care and layered symbolism, it stands apart as an object of both profound sentiment and extraordinary craftsmanship.

At first glance, the ring presents as a classic signet style panel ring, set with a beautifully banded agate. Amazingly we have finely engraved upon the agate a delicate butterfly encircled by an ouroboros: the ancient symbol of a serpent consuming its own tail, representing the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The butterfly, too, carries deep Victorian symbolism. The butterfly was a motif of the soul, transformation, and resurrection. Together, these images form a poignant memento mori.  A reminder of life’s fragility and the soul’s endurance beyond the grave.

The shoulders are richly detailed with engraved floral motifs picked out in (no faded) black enamel, a hallmark of mourning jewellery from the Georgian and Victorian eras. Black enamel was used to signify mourning for an adult, while white enamel indicated the loss of a child. 

Beneath the agate lies a hidden hinged compartment. A secret panel that lifts to reveal a glazed locket containing the original woven hair of the departed. Hairwork was an especially intimate and cherished element of mourning jewellery, allowing the wearer to keep a physical part of their loved one close. The use of hair within rings like this was not only sentimental, but also served as a tangible link between the living and the dead.

This is a wonderful and very special empale of Victorian sentimental jewellery. 


DETAILS

ERA: Likely late Georgian to early Victorian (c. 1830–1850)


MATERIAL/HALLMARK: Minimum 9 carat gold

MEASUREMENTS :

FINGER SIZE: P 1/2 (UK/AU) 8 (US)

Weight: 3.6 gram approximately 

Condition: There is an overall patina of wear on the  enamel, agate and gold. There is enamel loss on the shoulders. 

The antique ring box is for display only


-Please feel free to take a look at all photographs for condition before committing to buy. We do not offer refunds so if in doubt drop us and email and wed be happy to help!

-We ship worldwide on all orders & parcels are sent fully insured and well packed in our signature pink boxes

-We accept all methods of payment, and orders will be shipped out within 1-3 business days.

-All customs information is declared and we are not responsible for any import duties or delays incurred.

> All of the jewels we work with are antique or vintage and as such they are sold ‘as seen. This means theyre not perfect. They carry the love and journey of generations who love them before. These jewels should be worn with extra and love and care.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 83176466333

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.1 ★★★★★
Based on 2000 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Alma Gutierrez
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 1
Arrival time
Size: 8, Color: Black Wc
Disappointed I ordered them thinking they would arrive when they said they would and they did not! Ordered two pairs and run extremely big!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2025
S
Verified Purchase
Sissytoo
Houston, US
★★★★★ 2
Returned
Size: 8, Color: Spiced Nutmeg Cs Wc
The suede and color were great but the boot didn’t fit. The calf fit was way too big and the toe was so pointy it felt and looked weird to me - made my foot feel cramped and looked like I was wearing two sizes bigger. The heel was nice though.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2024
L
Verified Purchase
Lauren DG
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Loveee!!
Size: 6, Color: Rich Pecan Leather Wide Calf
I love these boots and quite honestly everything by Sam Edelman. I get so many compliments on these. They are also very comfortable.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2026
P
Verified Purchase
Pd
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 4
Calf's run big
Size: 9, Color: Dk Chocolate Wc
Very nice, well made. Wide calfs are really wide, had to return for regular size.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2024
S
Verified Purchase
Sherrie
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
A beautiful dress
Size: Medium, Color: Red Rose Floral
Why did you pick this product vs others?: I absolutely love this dress. It is the first item of clothing I have purchased from Amazon that I haven't had to send back. The sizing is spot on. This dress is indeed 100% linen. The workmanship is great. It is truly a beautiful dress and it brought me many compliments. 
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2025

recommand products