A rock crystal and enamel mourning ring

A rock crystal and enamel mourning ring, circa 1727, the faceted rock crystal over woven hairwork, to a black enamel band, the inscription 'Lady A Glenorchy, Ob:2 Mar: 17267, AET 29' in reserve, mounted in gold, size K1/2

The unusual date format of 1726/7 on this ring is due to the system of 'dual dating' that was informally adopted in England to avoid confusion with other European calendars. At the time other European countries were working on a different calendar to that of the English - the English were still using 25th March as the legal start to a new year, whereas much of Europe (including Scotland) commenced the new year on January 1st. Until the English brought their calendar in line with convention through the Calendar Act of 1750, the system of 'dual dating' was used on dates in that early part of the year (between January 1st and March 25th) that would fall in one year on the English calendar, and the following year on the European calendar. Lady Glenorchy was married to John Campbell, 3rd Earl of Breadalbane and Holland. Born Lady Amabel Grey, she was the daughter of Jemima, Duchess of Kent, who is commemorated in lot 1516 and 1517 in the present sale.