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Mourning Ring
about 1826
Object Place: Probably Boston, Massachusetts
Medium/Technique
Gold, hair, black stones (probably jet)
Dimensions
Overall: 2.4 × 2.2 × 1.4 cm (15/16 × 7/8 × 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Barbara Boylston Bean
Accession Number1976.639
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Rings
DescriptionCentering a glass compartment containing woven brown hair, surrounded by round faceted black stones (probably jet), reverse inscribed, joined to a slightly tapering gold band.
InscriptionsEngraved on inside of ring: "John Adams / Born 19/30 Oct.r 1735. / Ob.t 4. July / 1826." and "J.Q. Adams to W.N. Boylston."
ProvenanceGiven to Ward Nicholas Boylston by John Quincy Adams upon the death of John Adams; descended in the Boylston family to Barbara Boylston Bean by 1976; September 8, 1976, bequest to the MFA.