Georgian amethyst and chrysoberyl mourning ring, circa 1818.


£6,600

Georgian amethyst and chrysoberyl mourning ring, circa 1818.

Rings, Dress Rings

Other Currencies
Ref: 28539

There are currently 32 other people interested in this item. Why is this important?

Ring size: P
The majority of items can be re-sized free of charge.

Add to Basket

Reserve Item

Make an Enquiry


 Description

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.

 Comments

A true feat of craftsmanship, a fascinating piece of British history, and a tale of immense tragedy and true love. This ring holds a remarkable story which dates back to over 200 years ago.

Dated to circa 1818, this exquisite ring features a glass compartment containing braided human hair, protected by an oval old cut chrysoberyl to the left, and an oval old cut amethyst to the right. Hand-crafted out of a rich, buttery yellow gold, creating incredible intricate granular detail and a finely decorated gallery, this ring is certainly a labour of love.

Most significantly, clearly engraved to the bezel of the ring, it reads: 

'Eliza Cheney Obt.16 May 1818 .32'

This piece is a mourning ring. These beautifully crafted pieces acted as visual reminders of loved ones passed, and prompted the wearer to live for the moment as life could be short. In many instances, hair from the deceased was incorporated into these designs, and they were often inscribed with the names and dates of the loved one.

After extensive research, it is believe the deceased to be Elizabeth Cheney, formerly Elizabeth Ayre. Eliza, as she is referred to in the engraving, was born in 1786 in Leicestershire. More specifically, the small, quaint town of Gaddesby. Her youthful hair, delicately braided and protected for over 200 years lies behind the glass compartment of this ring. 

Eliza’s father was John Ayre of Gaddesby, the High Sheriff of Leicestershire, and her mother was Anne Ayre. She lived at Gaddesby Hall along with her siblings, and in 1811 at 25 years of age, married Edward Hawkins Cheney (1778-1848). 

After significant research into this piece, a fascinating discovery was made, that Eliza's husband and likely original owner of this ring, Edward, is in fact 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. He was executive commander of the battle, and during those hours, showed a defiant bravery and expert leadership. 

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. The importance of Cheney’s role in the battle was recognised almost immediately afterwards by being awarded the rank of lieutenant-colonel. A sculpture by Joseph Gott was created in the event of Cheney's death, depicting the pivotal moment a horse was shot from beneath him. This imposing, dramatic sculpture was created to stand in Gaddesby Hall where Eliza and Edward lived, but in 1917, was moved to Gaddesby church, where it resides to this day.

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 Eliza, 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.

It is believed this remarkable ring was commissioned and worn in her memory, by her grieving husband, Edward. The use of her hair ensures her essence is eternally held and immortalised. To further encapsulate the love between Eliza Ayre and Edward Cheney, the choice of gemstones featured in this ring may also hold significance. One could suggest that the 'C' in chrysoberyl and the 'A' in amethyst, was a conscious choice by Edward to symbolise the union of the lover's surnames, Cheney and Ayres.

A design driven by sentimentality and unconditional love, this ring truly honours Eliza's memory. Mourning rings were often created with the hope that their loved one will live on, not only during the lifetime of the grieving, but beyond. Here we are, over 200 years later, recognising their love, and remembering Eliza.

 Condition report

The ring is in excellent condition.

 Delivery & Returns

There are currently 32 other people interested in this item.

Workshop image

Gift Wrapping

At Berganza, we believe that the art of giving begins with presentation. Our luxury gift wrapping service transforms every purchase into an unforgettable experience, ensuring your gift is as captivating on the outside as the treasure within.

Indulge in the finest materials, meticulously chosen to complement the timeless elegance of our exquisite jewellery. Each piece is enveloped in sumptuous wrapping, adorned with our signature ribbon, and finished with a touch of finesse that only Berganza can provide.

Sustainability

There is no better sustainable choice than investing in a unique piece of jewellery, handcrafted using age old techniques that are being lost to time. Our antique pieces feature rare natural gemstones and hand-cut diamonds and are fully restored by skilled craftsmen, allowing you to become the new chapter in the story of an antique jewel.

With only ethically sourced and recycled gold and materials used across our bespoke pieces and restorations, make the responsible decision to invest in rarity, quality, and exceptional artistry today with a piece from the Berganza collection.

Read More

Workshop image

We're here to help



Email: info@berganza.com | Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 11am-5pm | All Stripe currencies supported

Updated 7/12/2024 at 1:00PM

|
© Berganza Ltd 2024
Georgian amethyst and chrysoberyl mourning ring, circa 1818.
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.
28539
brown
Y Gold
https://www.berganza.com/images/jewellery/jewelleryitemphoto_13968_19.jpg
InStock
GBP
6600.00
UsedCondition