Pumpkinhead Rare Scottish Antique 18k Gold Solid Wedding Band Black Enamel Skull Memento Mori Ring Unisex

I am back from my inventory trips to Europe and listing an assortment of hand picked antique jewelry which I have selected one at a time from around the world. Some examples seen in the last photo - thanks for stopping by!

ABOUT:
An antique Scottish gold wedding band with later enamel "pumpkinhead" skull inlay.

While it may seem a bit morbid to some now, this “Memento Mori,” piece is intended to: “Remember Thy Death,” which traditionally meant to provide a focus for contemplating one’s mortality. As such, it corresponds to a spiritual practice of acknowledging your mortality and thus a reminder to live your life on earth virtuously.

I love this one for the Scottish antique 18k gold wedding band. Scottish gold is special because it is quite rare in the market. The gold was ethically mined in the highlands of Scotland in a very limited supply. So while some may say the value of gold is the value of the gold, Scottish gold can actually command higher prices due to its exceptional rarity. It is considered one of the rarest precious metals on earth and is sought after for this reason. This is really why I purchased it, although the graphic is quite striking as well.

The piece has a wonderful coloring and patina, but the "pumpkin head" or death's head skull, while antique in style and design and even in the fabrication method, is just too crisp and clean and perfect in the inlay that I believe it to have been a later addition to the antique band and not original to the piece nor as old as the band itself. Having said that, it's quite wonderful - as enameling is overall a lost art, so finding the handful of craftsmen that can do such exceptional work... I know of very few and this piece was quite finely done, adding the graphic to the already valuable antique gold band from Edinburgh.

It is priced accordingly for not having the death's head originally, as 17th century original pumpkin head pieces would be priced much higher.

It has the antique hallmarks for 18k with the Scottish thistle and a maker's mark. The date letter is rubbed but the shape, font and size of the marks correspond to those used in the 1800s to very early 1900s. It has a warm, slightly rosy, softer patina. So lovely...

Quite a striking graphic and stacks well. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from the pics. Antique boxes, props, dishes, mice ; ) not included.

MEASUREMENTS:
Size 7 1/4. The piece weighs 4.3g. 6.2mm north to south.

Still perfectly wearable and perfectly shaped. Just a few nicks and surface wear that can catch the light due to the sleek mirrored finish. It looks like it was polished perhaps when the enameling was done. Edge is a bit blunt from age and wear. There are no dark spots to the gold, it was just difficult to photograph because it is so shiny that it reflects its surroundings.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )

I would be delighted if you'd follow me in my shop. Thanks for stopping by!
SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on insta for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews!

Box#mc.2^2