Post-Medieval enamel skull ring. A gold ring composed of a flat circular plaque featuring a black and white enamel skull, leading to rounded shoulders which flow directly through to a solid D-shape shank with a central gold ridge, grooved edges and traces of textured black enamel throughout, engraved to the interior in italics 'Death seperateth friends' highlighted in black enamel. Tested yellow gold, maker's mark 'MD', circa 17th century.

This ring has been assessed as dating to the latter half of the 17th century. After thorough research, the monogrammed maker's mark 'MD' could not be attributed to a particular goldsmith, however the initials are stamped within a heart, a popular shape for maker's marks from the 16th century to early 18th century.

The italic script, as seen on this ring, largely replaced Roman capitals in the second quarter of the 17th century, and the style of the ring with the raised gold central ridge and borders infilled with enamel can be seen on several pieces known to date from the mid-late 17th century.

This ring is a very fine example of Memento Mori jewellery, which was popular from the 16th century and often featured motifs which were used to remind the wearer of the brevity of life. Jewels were commissioned in memory of a deceased family member or friend which were known by the Latin phrase Memento Mori, translating as ‘remember that you must die’. These beautifully crafted pieces reflect a different time when death was very much a way of life. Memorial jewellery acted as a visual reminder of loved ones passed and prompted the wearer to live for the moment as life could be short. These pieces typically featured skulls, urns and other symbols of death along with dark gemstones and enamelling.

This ring is in fine condition commensurate with its age. Some of the enamel detailing has worn away over the ensuing centuries.

This ring was acquired from a private collection