Victorian Black Star Mourning Ring

Victorian Black Star Mourning RingReally quite special Victorian memorial ring in 18 carat gold. The head is set with a single pearl inside a black enamel six pointed star, and the band has six 'windows' home to tightly woven locks of black hair how they got the hair inside is a wonder indeed. A full set of Chester hallmarks date it to the year 1896 and confirm the gold fineness; particularly striking contrast between the rich yellow gold, black enamel, and silky white pearl. The band

importantly

Inner circumference: 6

Materials: Paste and gilt metal

but in other new spiritual beings

with exquisite shoulder details

Weighing-in at a glorious 31 grams

and importantly their balance

and an ivy vine at the bottom

Set with alternating blue sapphires and diamonds arranged over two rows on the pill-shaped head

as I'd initially thought

The band appears to have been replaced at some point in the distant past

Era: Late Victorian circa 1890