Antique Victorian Memento Mori “Tempus Fugit” Skull Poison Locket Ring – c.1870

Presented for your consideration is an exceptional example of Victorian Memento Mori jewelry: a hinged “poison” or locket ring in the form of a highly detailed human skull.

Crafted circa 1870’s, this ring is composed of heavy sterling silver finished with a thick 18k gold wash (vermeil). The forehead features a masterfully engraved winged hourglass, a poignant symbol of the fleeting nature of time. The shoulders of the ring are intricately decorated with scrolling silver work and inset with deep black enamel, a classic Victorian shorthand for mourning and remembrance.

The skull’s jaw acts as a discreet latch, opening on a smooth hinge to reveal a secret compartment—traditionally used for a lock of hair, a dried flower, or a scented “pill” (hence the colloquial term “poison ring”).

Condition Report: Excellent antique condition. The hinge is tight and secure, and the latch closes with a satisfying click. The vermeil gold wash shows a beautiful, warm patina consistent with age. Enamel remains largely intact with minor wear commensurate with 150+ years of history.

Historical Context: The Victorian Obsession with Mortality

The mid-to-late 19th century saw a resurgence of Memento Mori (“Remember you must die”) jewelry. Following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria’s perpetual mourning set a global trend for jewelry that balanced the macabre with the beautiful.

• The Winged Hourglass: This specific motif represents Tempus Fugit. It served as a daily reminder to the wearer that time is fleeting and one should live a virtuous life.

• The Locket Form: While often called “poison rings,” these were almost exclusively used as reliquaries. In an era of high mortality rates, keeping a physical piece of a lost loved one (usually hair) inside a ring allowed the wearer to keep the deceased “close at hand.”

• Vermeil & Enamel: The use of gold-washed silver allowed for larger, more sculptural pieces that remained wearable, while the black enamel provided the “Half-Mourning” aesthetic popular in the 1870s.

Why This Piece Belongs In Your Collection

Finding a skull locket ring with original engravings and clear hallmarks is increasingly rare. This is not a modern reproduction; it is a genuine artifact of Victorian social history, perfect for serious collectors of mourning jewelry, oddities, or fine macabre antiques. The ring comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $4300

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