Georgian Gold Locket Ring with Skull
Circa 1800 A.D. A gold ring comprising a slender hoop with shell-shaped shoulders, hinged oval bezel with secret compartment revealing a silvered skull framed by turquoise cabochons, the eyes set with diamonds or other stones; accompanied by a ring box. Cf. Oman, C.C., British Rings 800-1914, London, 1974, plate 90(D), for ring with compartment in which to place a lock of hair, etc. 3.95 grams, 20.00 mm overall, 16.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8) (3/4 in.). Acquired from Berganza, Hatton Garden, London, 2016.Property of an East Sussex collector.Accompanied by a copy of the Berganza invoice. Likely a ring of the memento mori genre. A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website.]