A poignant and very early example of Georgian mourning jewellery, this gold and enamel ring was created in 1746 to honour The Honourable Elizabeth Heathcote, a woman of distinguished status whose life is unusually well documented for a piece of this age.

Designed as a scrolling gold band with black enamel, it bears the full memorial inscription wrapped entirely around the ring:

“There Hon-ly Eliz Heathcote Ob 21 Feb 1746 Aged 47.”

Time has worn away much of the enamel and crips edges of gold, as is expected for a ring approaching three centuries old, yet the piece retains a quiet, enduring elegance. Its flowing gold script still beautifully legible, its presence deeply evocative.

Elizabeth Heathcote lived at Hurley Lodge, a grand Hampshire estate that still stands today. She married William Heathcote and together they had six sons and one daughter. Surviving records, along with images of her grave and the family crypt where she is buried, offer a rare and compelling glimpse into the life behind this memorial. Few mourning rings of this period can be linked so clearly to their original wearer.

Rich in history, sentiment, and human story, this ring is a remarkable survivor from the mid 18th century; a tangible connection to a real woman, her family, and the world she inhabited. A deeply meaningful treasure for collectors of early Georgian jewellery.

DETAILS:

ERA: 1746

HALLMARKS: Hallmarked for 18 carat gold 

FINGER SIZE: K 1/2 (UK/AU) 5.5 (US)

WEIGHT: 4.3 grams approximately. 

WIDTH: 4mm at the widest part

CONDITION: This is in lovely antique condition with a fine overall patina to the gold and agate and enamel 

Please note the antique box is for display only 

If you have any questions about this or any other piece please do not hesitate to ask



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> 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.