Medieval Gold Ring with Rectangular Garnet

£ 400.00

A Medieval gold ring with a garnet set in a rectangular bezel. The band is rounded and thins toward the bezel. The garnet is a striking red-orange translucent colour. It is set within a thin gold frame setting. The gold of the base can be seen reflecting light through the garnet itself. The bezel, which may have originally had a different purpose, has been attached to the band in antiquity.

Measurements: Internal diameter – 1.4cm; Stone 1cm x 0.7cm

Closest UK ring size: E

Date: Circa 13th-16th century AD
Provenance: From the important collection of a Japanese gentleman
Condition: Good condition. Band has been repaired

SOLD

SKU: CFF-90 Category: Tag:

Gold rings were popular jewellery pieces in Medieval times, worn by both men and women, not only as a means to display wealth and social status but also exchanged as tokens of love and to ward off misfortune. They could typically be worn on any finger and placed at any of the different joints. Precious stones, such as gold and silver were most likely restricted to nobility and royalty, whilst lower classes crafted jewellery from pewter or copper. This reflected the highly stratified and hierarchal structure of medieval society. Colour was also a highly valued property due to its symbolic associations. Red jewels could be interpreted as representing the blood of Christ.

Weight 2.3 g
Dimensions W 1.6 x H 1.8 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Semi-Precious Stones

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