SKU: 83176466333

Early Victorian Ouroboros Intaglio Mourning Ring ; Circa 1840

Sale price$705.58 Regular price$783.98
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Description

Early Victorian Ouroboros Intaglio Mourning Ring ; Circa 1840This exceptional and rare mourning ring is a masterclass in the emotional language of 19th century sentimental jewellery. Designed with remarkable care and layered symbolism, it stands apart as an object of both profound sentiment and extraordinary craftsmanship. At first glance, the ring presents as a classic signet style panel ring, set with a beautifully banded agate. Amazingly we have finely engraved upon the agate a delicate butterfly encircled

This exceptional and rare mourning ring is a masterclass in the emotional language of 19th century sentimental jewellery. Designed with remarkable care and layered symbolism, it stands apart as an object of both profound sentiment and extraordinary craftsmanship.

At first glance, the ring presents as a classic signet style panel ring, set with a beautifully banded agate. Amazingly we have finely engraved upon the agate a delicate butterfly encircled by an ouroboros: the ancient symbol of a serpent consuming its own tail, representing the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The butterfly, too, carries deep Victorian symbolism. The butterfly was a motif of the soul, transformation, and resurrection. Together, these images form a poignant memento mori.  A reminder of life’s fragility and the soul’s endurance beyond the grave.

The shoulders are richly detailed with engraved floral motifs picked out in (no faded) black enamel, a hallmark of mourning jewellery from the Georgian and Victorian eras. Black enamel was used to signify mourning for an adult, while white enamel indicated the loss of a child. 

Beneath the agate lies a hidden hinged compartment. A secret panel that lifts to reveal a glazed locket containing the original woven hair of the departed. Hairwork was an especially intimate and cherished element of mourning jewellery, allowing the wearer to keep a physical part of their loved one close. The use of hair within rings like this was not only sentimental, but also served as a tangible link between the living and the dead.

This is a wonderful and very special empale of Victorian sentimental jewellery. 


DETAILS

ERA: Likely late Georgian to early Victorian (c. 1830–1850)


MATERIAL/HALLMARK: Minimum 9 carat gold

MEASUREMENTS :

FINGER SIZE: P 1/2 (UK/AU) 8 (US)

Weight: 3.6 gram approximately 

Condition: There is an overall patina of wear on the  enamel, agate and gold. There is enamel loss on the shoulders. 

The antique ring box is for display only


-Please feel free to take a look at all photographs for condition before committing to buy. We do not offer refunds so if in doubt drop us and email and wed be happy to help!

-We ship worldwide on all orders & parcels are sent fully insured and well packed in our signature pink boxes

-We accept all methods of payment, and orders will be shipped out within 1-3 business days.

-All customs information is declared and we are not responsible for any import duties or delays incurred.

> All of the jewels we work with are antique or vintage and as such they are sold ‘as seen. This means theyre not perfect. They carry the love and journey of generations who love them before. These jewels should be worn with extra and love and care.

Shipping Notes
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Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
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SKU: 83176466333

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★★★★★ 5
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Color: Brown
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Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2026
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★★★★★ 5
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Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2026
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KGodwin
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
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Color: Black Frame
Purchased on behalf of another person, when asked they stated they adored this dresser tray. They found it the right size to hold everything they needed it to, a helpful way to stay organized, and easy to move and use. The price is what made them purchase it but they found it to be of a nice quality once they got it set up and have been using it daily ever since. Would recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2025
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Mark
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★★★★★ 5
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Stylish valet for your dresser, desk or wherever you would like to place it. I got tired (and so did my wife) of me just emptying my pockets on the dresser at the end of each day. Junk would accumulate, change would accumulate and everything was all spread out. This tray is stylish and made of good quality leather. I really like the different size partitions making its storage capacity perfect and done so neatly. Now my items are organized and easy to grab the next day making it functional at the same time.
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Jeffery B
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★★★★★ 5
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Great EDC tray. Nice quality and looks even better than in the pictures. Going to give one to each of my boys for Christmas.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2025

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