Mourning Ring, circa 1790

Before the 20th century, death came early and often. One way people coped was to wear jewelry as memorials to their loved ones. Over the centuries, mourning jewelry followed the prevailing fashions. Shortly after independence, Americans favored illuminated ivory set into brooches, pendants, or other jewelry, like this ring. These featured shapes derived from classical design, symbols such as urns and weeping women dressed as ancient Romans.