18th Century Urn Mourning Ring
Superb, and somewhat unusual, Georgian memorial ring dating from the latter half of the 18th century. The ring is dedicated to Cath Clarke (née Bowles, a distant relative by marriage of the current Queen of England, no less), who died on the 16th of January, 1773, aged 82; the dedication emblazoned in gold lettering over black enamel around the outer band. But it's the head that is somewhat unusual as: an amethyst halo borders a 'colour negative' mourning scene made from tiny pieces of Cath's hair... beautiful silvery hair that's set over a black background (they're usually dark hair over white). The hair has been delicately placed to depict a funerary urn under a weeping willow tree. Built in 18 carat yellow gold.
Catherine Bowles was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, in 1690 and baptised on November 21st at St. Mary's church in East Knoyle.* She was daughter to William and Ann (née Davies), and married John Clarke in 1720 - they are buried together in the All Saints Churchyard in Woodford, Wiltshire.
The Bowles were a prominent Wiltshire family, mentioned in H. B. Guppy's book, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain (1890):
"Bowles is an old Wiltshire name. The most influential families bearing this name are said to have come from Bristol during the 15th century. In the following century they were resident in Burcombe, and during the 18th century they supplied sheriffs and members of parliament for the county."
*St Mary's in East Knoyle had a notable rector in Christopher Wren, Dean of Windsor and father of the famed architect Sir Christopher Wren. From Wikipedia: 'When Parliamentary forces occupied Windsor Castle, [Christopher Sr.] refused to give to Captain Fogg the keys of St George's Chapel. On 23 October 1642 Fogg broke open the treasury and plundered it. Wren managed to preserve the records of the Order of the Garter, and King Edward III's sword.'
Era: Georgian, 1773
Ring size: Q or 8 US
Head: 14.4mm by 12.6mm
Stone: Amethyst
Marks: 1773, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Good antique condition. One amethyst is missing from the border. Enamel is in excellent condition for the period with only small areas of loss at the shoulders
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