8Memento mori skull hoop

A substantial and superior high carat gold and enamel memento mori skull hoop, dated 1824. The outer hoop is decorated in black enamel with a central skull motif between acanthus representing the Heavenly garden and thistle flowers, symbolising the Crown of Thorns. To interior an unusual inscription : 102 P 23 Verse 27 and the deceased’s date of death 27 Dec’r 1824. The inscription refers to Psalm 102, Verse 23 : He hath broken my strength along the way: he hath shortened my days. The psalmist compares the brevity of his own life with the eternity of days which belong to God. The ring is size R and 1/2 [US 8 and 7/8]. Weighty, fine quality and immaculate.

£6500