Our tiniest Tiny Tuesday artifact yet!
 
This beautiful yet sombre piece is an olivette memorial ring from the late 18th century. The ring is made of gold and black enamel. The ivory face of the ring features a hand painted Romanesque urn inscribed with “FJ”.
 
Memorial jewelry was commissioned to honor a deceased loved one, and was prevalent throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
 
This ring was in memory of 24 year old Fanny Jackson, who died on June 20, 1789. Her name, date of death, and age are inscribed on the band, heightened in black enamel. The ring is the oldest piece of mourning jewelry in the Historical Society’s collection!