Georgian amethyst and chrysoberyl mourning ring. Set with an oval old cut amethyst in a closed back claw setting with an approximate weight of 0.50 carats, flanked by a central oval glass slice with woven hair behind to a closed back, further set with an oval old cut chrysoberyl in a closed back claw setting with an approximate weight of 0.65 carats, to intricate scalloped settings with cheniers to the closed gallery and spherical graulation throughout flowing down the pierced shank with millegrain edging and twisted wirework. Tested yellow gold, engraved to the bezel 'Eliza Cheney Obt.16 May 1818 .32', circa 1818.
The deceased is believed to be Elizabeth Cheney (1786-1818), formerly Elizabeth Ayre, who was born in Gaddesby, Leicestershire.
In 1811 at 25 years of age, she married Edward Hawkins Cheney (1778-1848). Edward, who was the likely owner of this ring, is a significant figure in British History, famed for his crucial role in the Battle of Waterloo. Colonel Cheney was the senior captain of the Royal Scots Greys, who commanded the regiment at Waterloo after the commanding officer was killed, and the two majors seriously wounded. In the midst of the chaos of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18th 1815, Cheney led four charges, and had four separate horses killed from beneath him. On the fifth horse who was injured, he led the surviving soldiers off the field of battle.
Cheney spent his entire active service career with the Royal Scots Greys, but in 1818, he retired to half-pay. This was due to the death of Elizabeth, who on the 16th of May of that year, tragically passed away during the birth of their second son, who also did not survive. She was 32 years of age.
