Antique 18k Gold POSIE Ring In MEMORY MOTHER Victorian Ornate Pearl Enamel Star

Description

ABOUT:
Such a beautiful c1860 antique early Victorian mourning ring.  In 18k gold with wonderful patina, there is an old pinkish gray pearl set into a star shaped bezel which rises out of a flower shape extending to scrolled shoulders.  The ring face and shoulders are decorated with enamel and around the outside back of the band / shank it reads "In Memory Of". Then inside the band is engraved simply "Mother. Dec 11th, '93".
It is a bit heartbreaking to think about but what a lovely remembrance!  I acquired this piece in Europe.  It has full and clear hallmarks for Birmingham, 18k gold, for the year 1860, so a very old piece.  I am assuming "Mother" was born in 1793 as seen in the engraving, and passed when the ring was made in the 1860s.  Very beautiful piece with quite a bit of remaining enamel considering it is over 160 years old, and such ornate detail work.
The enamel under light up magnification is actually a deep navy blue but to the eye and even in sunlight it presents as almost black.  It covers most of the flower underneath the star bezel and extends across the top half in the scrolled and etched shoulders (with areas of some loss).  Under magnification you can see that the low relief areas of the shank were enameled behind "In Memory Of", but that presents as mostly gold now.
(Box used for staging is not included.)
HALLMARKS:
Fully hallmarked for Birmingham, 1860, 18k gold.
MEASUREMENTS:
Size 6 1/2, not sizable due to the "In Memory Of" text around the outside of the shank.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Please note that all my pieces are in estate condition.  Beautiful patina to the gold.   Under magnification I can see some build up and grime but I was nervous to clean it as I don't want to see any more enamel loss.  It has beautiful organic wear where the center of the flower behind the raised star bezel is nice solid enamel, but it has worn extended outward leaving the shiny gold petals.  One of the petals is less curved downward than the others.  May have been made that way.  Most of the enamel that was around the wording has worn and there is loss on the shoulders as well so the scrolled shoulders are highlighted here and there.  Band is slightly out of round but nothing noticeable while wearing.
There is a bit of discoloration / darkness inside the band where the shoulders connect to the ring face, but it does not appear to be a solder or repair as it is perfectly smooth and connected.  The back of the ring face may have had a glass panel to hold hair at one time but it is vacant space now, still a closed back though with just the gold and some prongs holding the pearl bezel coming out the back.  Still feels very sturdy.  Pearl has a beautiful antique coloring deep purple pink with beautiful luster and shine.  Still a fantastic and eye catching piece.
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition.
Insurance and signature confirmation upon delivery at my cost.
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