Victorian Urn Mourning Ring
A fantastic Victorian memorial ring built around a hardstone cameo urn. A halo of pearls borders the cameo with a glass locket compartment concealed behind the head (designed to be worn against the skin) complete with lock of hair. An inscription inside the band reads: "R Madgett. Obt 10th May 1871. Aet 48", giving us some context around the ring's history: it was made to commemorate the death of R Madgett on the 10th of May 1871 at age 48, likely given to a close friend or relative as part of his estate. A clear set of London hallmarks warrant the gold at 18 carat, and match to the date on the inscription.
I found two possible candidates for R Madgett: One is Robert Madgett of Norwich, a shoemaker who's children - Eliza, Betsy, and Julia - are referenced in the Baptism records of St Stephen's church; or, seemingly more likely, is Robert Madgett of 57 York Road in Lambeth, London, who is recorded to have been the Licensed Victualler (aka landlord) of the Duke of York pub. He appears at the address of the Duke of York in the 1871 census (captured on April 2nd) along with his wife, daughter, two bar staff and a domestic servant, but is notably absent from the 1874 'Licensed Victualler & Hoteliers Directory' records (although his wife remains listed as the proprietor).
Era: Victorian, circa 1880
Ring size: R or 8.5 US. Resizable for £35 (hallmarks may be disturbed)
Head: 13.6mm by 12.1mm
Stone: Agate Hardstone and Pearl
Marks: English, London, 18ct Gold, 1871
Condition: Great antique condition, the locket glass is cracked
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
More Questions?
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alex@lostowl.jewelry
An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 2-3 weeks to shipping times
Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
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