GREAT PLAGUE OF LONDON RING

17th century, English, size 3 1/4. Revolutionary in its construction with the 3.4mm band of rolled brass/bronze, with a pattern imparted by the roller. The bronze flower bud top cast separately and the two joined by brazing. Thus, the ring was sized when made, a huge jump in industrialization at the time! The process of rolling, including a sheet for armor, was in place in the 15th century.

Burial in the churchyard brought you close to God, but space was limited and those nearer our hearts had priority over those whose names were forgotten. Graves were periodically dug up, and the bones removed to storage, making space for newcomers. It happened all over Europe, north to south, and no jewelry is preserved with the bones. It is our conclusion after decades of filtering through sparse information, that these rings were produced in England and recovered from graves of those who perished in the Great Plague of 1655-56 in London. By the English law, graves may be opened after 75 years and the buried were often replaced by more recent deceased.

Size 3 1/4 for a child. Flat-faced band with raised medial, 3.3mm. Well-detailed pelleted flower form bezel. Crisp detail, lightly textured from burial and professionally refurbished with the 24karat gold overlay restored. Gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.