The Antique Georgian Chi Rho Memento Mori Ring

This fully wearable and substantial silver memento mori ring from the 18th Century features six ellipsoid facets, each with a design. The first facet depicts a bearded face, possibly interpreted as with a shocked expression surrounded by flames. The second facet depicts another person, possibly crowned with foliage and wings. The third facet depicts the Chi Rho, one of the earliest forms of christogram, with an ichthys fish either side. To the top left is an alpha and to the top right an omega. These three facets are punctuated by facets ornamented with an expanding arms cross each. Memento Mori rings were a medieval tradition designed to remind the wearer of the preciousness of life. Often given or made after a death, these rings ask you to reflect upon your life for a moment and 'remember you will die', sometimes with that exact phrase in Latin, 'memento mori', on the ring. Ring weight: 8.69 Size O Uk/Au, 7 Us/Ca, 55¼ Fr/Ru, 17¼ De An exceptional piece of interesting memento mori jewellery in fully wearable condition. Provenance: Acquired from an established Bnta and Aiaa registered ancient art dealer. Formerly in the private collection of a Russian gentleman living in London; acquired from a Chelsea collector in the 2000s; the Chelsea collection having been formed from 1970-1990s. Important Notes: This item is excluded from our Free Resizing service. As an ancient artefact we will not alter it.