Phillips Brothers & Son diamond and enamel memorial ring, English, circa 1872.

The chamfered shoulders of the ring are decorated with monochrome enamel work, the colour black being symbolic of darkness, and white, symbolic of innocence and childhood.
As we look to the interior engraving of the ring, the identity of the deceased is revealed as being ‘AMY PLEWS. B. 11. JANY 1860. D. 16 AUGT 1872’. Following extensive research into the origins of this piece, I have discovered fascinating insights into the life of Miss Amy Plews, whose memory and short life this ring celebrates.
Amy was born to Thomas Robert Maddison Plews (1834-1885) and Mary Ann Macfarlane (1839 – 1911), and had 9 siblings. Her parents were both born in Scotland, and the pair later resided in Darlington, Durham. Some sources suggest Thomas was the Mayor of Darlington for a period of time, and later became a wine and spirit merchant.
Amy Plews sadly passed away at the mere age of 12 years old in 1872. Her cause of death is unknown, and her body rests today in West Darlington cemetery, Durham.
Archival photographs have been found of Amy’s mother, Mary, the likely commissioner and grieving owner of this piece. We believe she is pictured here adorned in mourning attire.
This magnificent ring is an extraordinary tribute to an individual that was evidently loved and missed deeply.