Mourning Ring 1935 - 1942

Here's an illustration of a "Mourning Ring" by John H. Tercuzzi. You can see the delicate pencil strokes across this subtle design. I wonder if Tercuzzi was thinking about personal adornment, the way jewelry carries memories and emotions. The muted palette with touches of gold and pearl creates a very somber atmosphere, appropriate for the piece's memorial intent. The circular arrangement of tiny pearls surrounding what seems to be a carved design creates an image within the image. It's like a miniature world of remembrance. The different angles Tercuzzi paints for us allows the idea to fully bloom. The piece evokes the history of design and craftsmanship, reminiscent of folk art traditions.