the ancient 1601 renaissance silver memento mori portrait ring

Dated 1601, this fully wearable and beautiful silver piece of well-kept history features a carinated hoop, expanding to chamfered openwork shoulders with waisted bridge and flanking scrolls, oval bezel set with glass face with a depiction of a person, possibly Jesus or perhaps a depiction of the deceased.
Memento Mori rings were a medieval tradition designed to remind the wearer of the preciousness of life. Often given or made after a death, these rings ask you to reflect upon your life for a moment and 'remember you will die', sometimes with that exact phrase in Latin, 'memento mori', on the ring. To one side of this ring is the engraved initials 'PNS' and the year '1601', to the opposite side it appears to read 'EIVIL' and 'MORI'.
This ring, circa the Early 17th Century, tests as silver and has light marks, commensurate with age.
Please find the Jewellery Assessment Report, (see the end image in the gallery) for more detailed information.
Ring weight: 10.65 grams
Size S½ UK/AU, 9? US/CA, 60½ FR/RU, 19¼ DE
An exceptional piece of interesting memento mori jewellery in fully wearable condition.
Provenance: Acquired from an established BNTA and AIAA registered ancient art dealer. Formerly in the collection of a Tyne & Wear gentleman; acquired on the European art market.
Important Notes: This item is excluded from our Free Resizing service.

Antiques.co.uk Ref: GUEEB9WDG

Please note that this price may NOT include delivery charges which the seller may charge extra for.

Buy now with paypal

Make an Offer

Antiquejewellers.com

antiquejewellers.com is a established and growing online retailer with a wide selection of antique and vintage rings. Ensure the moment is perfect with a antique ring as special as they are. Hard to find and rich in history, antique & vintage engagement rings and wedding rings. Everyone who wants to get married should be able to get married Standout Jewellery The rings we sell aren't modern mass-production rings, each ring is special and individually sourced with care. 100% Satisfaction If the ring you choose isn't right for you or your partner we will happily help you return it for a full refund. We even offer free resizing. In It For The Love We're a family business, and we started it because we know how wonderful and unique an antique piece of antique jewellery can be to give and receive.

Contact details