DATE: Georgian, 1721

A superb antique skeleton ring dating from the early 18th Century. The head is a faceted rock crystal, behind which rests a skull and crossbone motif along with gold cipher initials: AL, for A. Lagdon. The band is adorned with the full body of a skeleton, finished in black enamel, with an hourglass (indicating time has stopped for the deceased) on one shoulder and a pickaxe and spade on the other (the gravediggers' tools). The inside of the band is inscribed "A Lagdon 7 Dec 1721 ceta 60" with a WC maker's mark. An exceptionally unusual, museum quality piece.

STONES

Rock Crystal

MEASUREMENTS

Head: 8.3 x 4.4mm

Width of band: 3.2mm

WEIGHT

4.4g

MARKS

Tests as 18 karat gold

Inscription reads: "A Lagdon 7 Dec 1721 ceta 60"

Maker's mark WC

CONDITION

Good, some loss to the enamel and general wear commensurate with the age of the piece