Mourning ring for Edward IV (1442-1483)

Mourning ring for Edward IV (1442-1483)

An oval panel of light blue enamel
applied entwined ER diamond set initials below a knot of hair
diamond set gold coronet above, glazed, and with a line surround of diamonds

Engraved on the reverse:
‘Hair of Edward 4th, who died [Ap]ril 9th 1483, discovered at Win[dsor], March 1789’

Tapering wide gold flat band shank (restored)
The head 37mm long, 11 grams gross

Rings containing locks of Edward IV’s hair are known to have been produced and are in collections. One is in the Hashimoto collection (National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo. Object number OA.2012-0298), one in the process of being gifted to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and another in the Museum of London (Object number 35.117) These are of very simple enamelled gold design. A loose lock of hair is also held by the Wellcome Collection, London.

Given the limited supply of hair, it has been assumed that these rings were gifted to dignitaries. Sadly, no details of to whom have been found to date.

The ring shown here is the only known example set with diamonds.