SKU: 83176466333

Early Victorian Ouroboros Intaglio Mourning Ring ; Circa 1840

Sale price$705.58 Regular price$783.98
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Description

Early Victorian Ouroboros Intaglio Mourning Ring ; Circa 1840This exceptional and rare mourning ring is a masterclass in the emotional language of 19th century sentimental jewellery. Designed with remarkable care and layered symbolism, it stands apart as an object of both profound sentiment and extraordinary craftsmanship. At first glance, the ring presents as a classic signet style panel ring, set with a beautifully banded agate. Amazingly we have finely engraved upon the agate a delicate butterfly encircled

This exceptional and rare mourning ring is a masterclass in the emotional language of 19th century sentimental jewellery. Designed with remarkable care and layered symbolism, it stands apart as an object of both profound sentiment and extraordinary craftsmanship.

At first glance, the ring presents as a classic signet style panel ring, set with a beautifully banded agate. Amazingly we have finely engraved upon the agate a delicate butterfly encircled by an ouroboros: the ancient symbol of a serpent consuming its own tail, representing the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The butterfly, too, carries deep Victorian symbolism. The butterfly was a motif of the soul, transformation, and resurrection. Together, these images form a poignant memento mori.  A reminder of life’s fragility and the soul’s endurance beyond the grave.

The shoulders are richly detailed with engraved floral motifs picked out in (no faded) black enamel, a hallmark of mourning jewellery from the Georgian and Victorian eras. Black enamel was used to signify mourning for an adult, while white enamel indicated the loss of a child. 

Beneath the agate lies a hidden hinged compartment. A secret panel that lifts to reveal a glazed locket containing the original woven hair of the departed. Hairwork was an especially intimate and cherished element of mourning jewellery, allowing the wearer to keep a physical part of their loved one close. The use of hair within rings like this was not only sentimental, but also served as a tangible link between the living and the dead.

This is a wonderful and very special empale of Victorian sentimental jewellery. 


DETAILS

ERA: Likely late Georgian to early Victorian (c. 1830–1850)


MATERIAL/HALLMARK: Minimum 9 carat gold

MEASUREMENTS :

FINGER SIZE: P 1/2 (UK/AU) 8 (US)

Weight: 3.6 gram approximately 

Condition: There is an overall patina of wear on the  enamel, agate and gold. There is enamel loss on the shoulders. 

The antique ring box is for display only


-Please feel free to take a look at all photographs for condition before committing to buy. We do not offer refunds so if in doubt drop us and email and wed be happy to help!

-We ship worldwide on all orders & parcels are sent fully insured and well packed in our signature pink boxes

-We accept all methods of payment, and orders will be shipped out within 1-3 business days.

-All customs information is declared and we are not responsible for any import duties or delays incurred.

> All of the jewels we work with are antique or vintage and as such they are sold ‘as seen. This means theyre not perfect. They carry the love and journey of generations who love them before. These jewels should be worn with extra and love and care.

Shipping Notes
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Exchange/Return Notes
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  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
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SKU: 83176466333

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Heather M
Houston, US
★★★★★ 1
Warning!!! Contaminated!!!!
This is the second time I've ordered this lip balm. The first time, the lip balm was great, unscented and worked well, so well that i ordered another to keep in the car. I ordered the same one, just 3 ingredients - tallow, beeswax, and honey. Except this one is contaminated with some kind of chemicals! It leaves an awful taste that permeates my whole mouth. It's like chemicals or strong perfume and kind of stings! Not only am i disappointed but I'm furious because my child used it first! We still have the awful taste in our mouths and I'm concerned what kind of chemicals we might have just been exposed to.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2024
M
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Melissa Oestreich
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Must have for chapped/dry lips
Unfortunately for me, my lips dry easily. Wearing myotape (mouth tape) at night reduces how often my lips get chapped and peel. However, my lips still need regular care. I have been using chapstick that doesn't contain standard endocrine disruptors, petrochemicals, and artificial dyes for years. Since there's concern about the high omega 6 content (and possible inflammatory repurcussions) of using chapsticks that contain sunflower seed oil, etc. In them, I decided to try beef tallow. Most beef tallows come in tins and must be applied by hand, and then the hands must be washed. This product gives you the ability to apply beef tallow to your lips without having to directly apply your fingers to your lips. This is a must have!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2025
S
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Sam
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Love these!
As described, everything is great. Smell, texture, size. Perfect and makes my lips so soft.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2026
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RDS
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Great product!
This is great lip balm, coming from someone who can't be without something on my lips. My only wish is that they would make it in smaller tubes because this one doesn't fit into pant pockets as easily because it is larger in size.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026
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megan
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Worth it
These chap sticks are absolutely massive, it’s so soothing to chapped lips and I’m sure they will last a while. The texture is creamy and light on the skin. I’ll definitely be ordering more down the road
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Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2026

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