Poignant Victorian garnet intaglio mourning ring  for four people dated 1859.
The facetted garnet is carved with a cross and  the 15ct gold shank  and bezel is designed as a knot, symbolising the love for the departed four which are only inscribed with their initials and dates. The reverse is inscribed “In Memoriam A. July 15th, F July 22nd,E July 24th, J Aug 24th 1859”.
It seems likely the four deaths may be four children, perhaps all succumbing to the same illness.The final of three cholera epidemics in Britain lasted from 1846-1860 and in 1853-54 claimed as many as 23,000 lives, 10,000 in London alone.
The ring is an historic time capsule, beautifully designed.
Some age related wear to surface of garnet.
Size 9,can be sized a little.