Front of a gold mourning ring

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This is the front of a gold mourning ring commemorating George James Riddell who died on 22 April 1783, aged 24.

The front of the ring contains plaited hair and is set with a gold lover's knot.

At funerals in the 18th and 19th century, wealthier families distributed rings and lockets made from the hair of the deceased, or engraved with the name and date.

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-599-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NJ 98
• Date: 1783
  
• Material: Gold; glass; mother-of-pearl; hair. Inscription: Back of bezel: GEO: JAMES RIDDELL ESQ: OB 22 APRIL 1783 AET 24
  Ring, mourning
  
• Dimensions: 22 mm Dia x 32 mm W
  
• What: Ring, mourning
  
• Subject: Jewellery : finger rings (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: George James Riddell
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Gold mourning ring with a pointed oval bezel set with glass over a mother-of-pearl background with a gold lover's knot on it, engraved on back "GEO: JAMES RIDDELL ESQ: OB 22 APRIL 1783 AET 24"
  
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