Omaha daily bee., 1902-03-02
SOMETHING NEW IN RINGS.
Black Pearl Settings for widows, Per-
fumed Bands for Debutantes.

Black Pearl Settings for widows, Per-
fumed Bands for Debutantes.
NEW YORK. Feb. 2s.-Mourning rings
have found their way ipto fashion again.
but only the widows so far have taken to
wearing them of somber hue and elegant
workmanship. This revival, as is the case
with nearly all ~revivals that bear even
remotely upon matters of personal orna-
ment, originated in Paris, and the rarely
white and beautiful hand OF an aristocratic
duchess bereaved of her duke first dis
played a large mourning ring. Hers had
been designed by that artistic genius.
Lalique, and since she created a sensation
by thoughtlessly displaying the white hand
with its gloomily beautiful decoration
Lalique and all the other designers and
Jewellers have had widows orders without
number.
widows rings are Just coming into use
In America, and while SOM of them are
made in France, a goodly number of
uniquely beautiful ones have been turned
out by our own goldsmiths. A single large
and perfect black pear. is considered very
chic, IL we may use so frivolous an ex-
preston, as a widows ring. 1t is sunk in a
rim OF what is called furnished silver. and
next after this ranks the cameo ring, show
ing the dear departed ones likeness in
white against a background Of black shell.
The golden circlet Of such a ring is COW
cred with black enamel, and inside the
nnser band a consolatory or purely senti-
mental sentiment Is engraved. A superb
ring ordered in Paris for the widow of an
American millionaire takes the form OF A
w~ondrously cut seal. The stone is dead
black and the cutting upon 1t shows a
wounded dove with a Latin inscription be-
meath, to the effect that, though mortally
wounded, the devoted relict patiently wings
her way through life.
All the mourning rings are large and
heavy and are worn above the gold wedding
band, though some highly sensitive women
have followed the fashion Of having their
wedding rings nameled in dead black and
the date Of their loss engraved inside oppo-
site the date of their wedding.
The jewellers who cater to a large custom
have noticed an increase of interest In
rings that are not always so costly as uni
que, and 1t is curious enough that women
who will readily wear imitation stones in
brooches. necklets. stickpins and even ear
rings draw the line against mock gems in
the matter OF rings. Baroque pearls and
the secondary or semi-precious stones are
all right for finger ornamentation, and one
dealer in fine Jewels has grown quite ac-
customed to having a woman come in, lay
a sample OF silk, satin or wooden on the
showcase, and calmly ask to have her sgan-
pie matched in a ring or brooch. It is
usually a ring she wants and then a visit is
made to the case full Of exquisite pink
topaz, matrix opals, white sapphires, ETC..
where her demand can be easily fulfilled.
Debuntantes and graduating school girls
whose acute attacks Of friendships are
slangily described as rushing" now culti-
vate the habit Of exchanging rings with
their own particular girIish intlmates. AS
q rule the choice falls on really charming
posey rings Of Marcassite. These come in
all manner Of quaint bouquet basket cornu-
copia, love-knot designs elaborated in tiny
but inexpensive true stones set in a Frame
work Of silver.
To the theater and opera, crowded bali
rooms, ETC., It is also a fancy of this
younger element to wear perfume rings
that are supposed to take the place Of the
elumsier vinagrette. A hollow ball Of gold
holds a sponge that is impregnated with
perfume. and a tiny self-closlng stopper or
button on the ball prevents leakage. though
a touch upon it emits strong and delicious
doors from within. This ball hangs by a
golden thread from a circlet OF gold. and
1865" - 10 WIN ~ ICol6 comfortably
In the palm Of the hand, Sometimes both
the finger circlet and the ball are set with
gems, but plain gold is considered the most
tasteful choice.
Fashionable women do not yet counten-
ance the habit Of the thumb ring. but a
prejudice against wearing anything on the
index finger has quite passed away. Some
thing especially snowy and elaborate ia
worn now on the first finger, something that
extends almost TO the second Joint, and at
the teas, and dances, and dinners. and we'd
dings OF this winter both guests and host
esses have had their white fingers so
loaded with rings that anything like a hand
shake has almost passed out of fashion. To
save your hostess or friend the most ex-
quisite pain you must merely touch her
finger tips in greeting. for a hearty hand
clasp viii elicit a shrek and a possible
fainting At that will make you feel ike a
ruthless murderer.
Is THE nAnUnn DDa.