Captain Lawne arrived at Jamestown on April 27, 1619, and paid 15 settlers to help him establish one of the first English settlements in Isle of Wight County on a creek that still bears his name, across the James River and downstream from Jamestown. The initials on this ring could belong to Captain Christopher Lawne, a Puritan of significant wealth and stature. Women tied oversized rings onto their hand with black string wound around their wrists to provide greater contrast and show off the ring more. A great example of early Memento Mori jewelry is a charm from the 16 th century of an enameled skeleton in a coffin from the Victoria and Albert Museum.

They would also wear rings on a necklace or attached to a sleeve. Memento Mori jewelry has many variations in design, from the outright blatant expressions of death to the more subtle and beautiful implications of mortality through intricate details. A similar theme was found on a silver seal also recovered from James Fort.Įlizabethans wore rings on every finger but the middle one. This symbol was used by Puritans to impress on their followers that they should live a pure, sinless life because they will eventually die and be accountable for what they did in life. This ring depicts a skull with the initials “CL” and the Latin legend “Memento Mori” (“remember thy death”). Signet rings were typically worn on the index finger and were necessary for business: they provided a symbolic proof of signature to a largely illiterate population. This is a unique symbol for the owner who makes the wax impression to certify who wrote the document or who signed it. This gold signet ring found in 2008 has a reverse design on it that makes a positive impression in sealing wax that would be attached to letters and legal documents.

Join other innovative leaders to help ensure that Jamestown is preserved and protected for future generations. Learn more about making a lasting impact by including the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation in your estate plans. Help support archaeology, scholarly research, and the preservation of James Fort structures. Making a gift directly supports the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation’s ongoing efforts to research, preserve, and educate about the significance of the original site of America’s birthplace. The award-winning Archaearium museum houses over 2000 artifacts that bring James Fort’s story to life.Įxplore selected artifacts from Jamestown Rediscovery's collection.įollow the growth of England’s first permanent colony in North America and learn about life in James Fort.įind your connection to the Jamestown story.īring Jamestown to the classroom through our lesson plans and virtual school programs.ĭownload kid-friendly activities and learn more about family fun on the island.Įxplore online resources to learn more about the archaeology and history of Jamestown. Archives cover years of archaeology at James Fort.Ĭlick each James Fort feature to learn more about what archaeologists have learned in 20 years of work. Explore Jamestown Rediscovery’s exciting finds in monthly archaeological updates.

Memento mori ring