Ep 11. Jane Austen's Ring
- February 27, 2017
Strange Inheritance season 3 episode 11, entitled "Jane Austen's Ring," is a fascinating exploration of a rare and valuable family heirloom. In this episode, we follow the journey of Jane Austen's prized gold and turquoise ring as it is passed down through generations of her family, eventually making its way to a distant cousin, Deirdre.
Deirdre was surprised to learn that this precious artifact, which had been locked away in a safety deposit box for years, was now her responsibility. The ring had been passed down through several generations of Jane Austen's family, but its complicated history had been lost over time. With the help of experts in historical jewelry and Austen scholars, Deirdre sets out to unravel the mysteries surrounding the ring and uncover its true significance.
The first step in Deirdre's investigation is to determine whether or not the ring is actually genuine. Using advanced tools and techniques, jewelry expert Lisa Bissell confirms that the gold and turquoise ring is indeed authentic and likely dates back to the early 19th century, when Jane Austen was alive.
Next, Deirdre delves into the history of Jane Austen's family to try to piece together the ring's journey through the generations. The ring was first passed down to Jane's sister Cassandra, who then gave it to their brother, Francis, before it eventually ended up with a distant cousin. Along the way, the ring was nearly lost during World War II, when it was hidden in a secret compartment in a piece of furniture to keep it safe from the Germans.
As Deirdre uncovers more about the ring's past, she begins to realize its significance not just as a piece of jewelry but also as a piece of literary history. Jane Austen was known for her keen observations of Georgian and Regency society, and her novels "Pride and Prejudice," "Emma," and "Sense and Sensibility" continue to be celebrated for their insights into the lives of women in this time period. The ring, which features a small lock of hair under the turquoise stone, may have been a symbol of the close relationships between Jane and her siblings.
The experts Deirdre consults also shed light on the 19th-century tradition of "hair jewelry," in which locks of hair were incorporated into rings, brooches, and other accessories as a way to remember loved ones. This suggests that the ring could have been a deeply personal and meaningful piece of jewelry for Jane and her family.
Despite the many questions surrounding the ring, Deirdre ultimately decides to sell it at auction, hoping that it will end up in the hands of someone who will appreciate its historical and cultural significance. The bidding war is intense, as collectors and Austen enthusiasts from around the world vie for the chance to own a piece of literary history.
"Jane Austen's Ring" is a fascinating look at the complex and often surprising stories behind family heirlooms. As Deirdre traces the journey of this treasured artifact through time, viewers are treated to a glimpse into the lives of one of the most beloved authors of all time and the family who loved her. The episode is full of surprising twists and turns, and fans of "Strange Inheritance" will not want to miss this intriguing and poignant installment.
