A Memento Mori swivel ring

This ring’s French inscription, translating to ‘by virtue linked’ (front) and ‘until death’ (reverse), juxtaposes the symbolism of lasting love with a reminder of mortality, much like today’s ‘until death do us part’. It was likely given to its first wearer on the occasion of their marriage or betrothal. Another 16^th century ring in the Victoria and Albert Museum collection appears to have served the same dual function. Although without a revolving bezel, it features a skull on the front and a lover's knot with two pairs of initials on the inside (inv. no. 13-1888). Memento mori rings were fashionable in Renaissance England and are recorded in portraits such as that of Edward Goodman of Ruthin (1476-1560) in the National Museum, Cardiff (inv. no. NMW A 3450).

Swivel rings of this date are exceedingly rare. Two comparable memento mori examples can be found in the British Museum (inv. no. 1871,0302.5) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. M.18-1929), dated to the 16th century and circa 1600, respectively. Although both feature merchants' marks on the opposite side of the bezel rather than declarations of love.