Circa 1862 Mourning Ring for Caroline Giesler

A very interesting and fine quality mourning ring we believe to be in memory of Caroline Giesler of Hampstead, London as is came to us with a collection of family rings dating to the same period. This piece is entirely hand crafted with a swivel centrepiece which shows a Rock Crystal beautifully reverse carved and finely painted with a curled letter 'C' and holds a section of hair to the reverse, with delicately decorative hand engraved Acanthus scrollwork to the bezel (symbolic of immortality or rebirth); the Acanthus plant's ability to regrow after being cut or damaged has led to its association with rebirth and the cyclical nature of life and death. The gorgeous knotted band and setting is entirely hand crafted and could possibly be by John Figg of Cheapside in London. 

We have researched the history of this lady and found that she was born Caroline Norvell in Plympton in Devon in 1778. She married Cark Friedrich Giesler (a Goldsmith and sometime Furrier it seems) in 1799 and the couple had three children. She passed on 19th January 1862 as is commemorated in one of the other rings in the collection. 

To give a flavour of the wealth of this family: one of the addresses they lived at in London is now the Hilton Hotel on Upper Woburn Place! 

Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold tested but not hallmarked. Weighs 5.7 grams

Ring Size: 'N' or '6.75' as is and we're unable to alter due to the design and materials