This stunning and rare memorial ring depicts three sheaves of wheat, created from human hair, under a domed glass panel. Above this depiction, one can read the Dutch sentence: 'De dood alleen kan ons scheiden' which translates to: 'Only death can do use part'. At the bottom, we can read two monograms, JHJ and JG.
Although they might look like an unusual subject to depict to the modern eye, wheat sheaves were a popular motif in 18th and 19th Century jewellery designs. Wheat represented the transition from life to death, echoing themes of divine sowing and harvest. In mourning jewellery, wheat symbolizes resurrection, eternal life, and the "harvesting" of a soul that has lived a long, fruitful life.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: US 10, UK U, circumference 62 mm.
The octagonal panel measures 34 x 18 mm.
This ring cannot be sized.
Weight: 8.30 grams.
Age: Late 18th Century, circa 1780s.
Material: Acid tested as at least 10k gold.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age. There are some scratches on the glass panel, and some hair fragments have come loose and have stuck on the inside of the panel (where, for now, they remain in place, so they do not move freely under the panel when you move the ring): this can be observed in the pictures.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes. This shop is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import taxes.