This exquisite early Victorian mourning ring contains multiple recognizable symbols (to us, at least, and anyone living in the late 1800's would have gotten them, too.) Firstly, black enamel instantly signaled that the jewelry was memorializing a loved one. Secondly, the five-petalled flower that comprises the face of the ring is a pansy, a symbol of remembrance. The name "pansy" is derived from the French word pensée, "thought". It universally meant "think of me," much like the forget-me-not flower meant "don't forget me." This ring pansy is rendered in back enamel with a second diamond pansy at the center. The split shoulders and beautifully detailed with a scrolling design. The underside of the head features a hair locket with the engraved dedication, "Richard Bright Ob 25 Jany 1840 ae 86." This ring is a size 6.5 and resizing is not recommended.
