This is a delightful medieval gold finger ring, dating to the 12th - 13th century AD. It is set with its original green glass gemstone, imitation of a very costly emerald.

'Emeralds', writes Guillaume de Machaut in 1349, 'make every heart rejoice.' The choice of material for any given piece of jewelry was defined by its economic value, rarity, symbolism, aesthetic notions, and considerations of prestige. The eighteenth chapter of Raymond of Lull's lapidarium is devoted to the virtues and properties of the emerald, several of which are recorded as confirmed by personal experience. "We saw that as long as we carried it, we healed many suffering falling sickness. By virtue of this stone we also stopped tempests. . . and we tried it on exhausted travellers who immediately recovered from the labours of the long travel.' He prescribed its use for King Robert of Sicily, when troubled by a fit of violent madness, since 'the stone of emerald mitigates the one who wears it, and eliminates impatience from the human body, and resists the Devil, so that he cannot harm by a noxious temptation . . . !. As such, the emerald was imbued with such powers that it was regarded as one of the most desirable gemstones to own.

The gold ring contains the cabochon paste, within a rubbed setting turreted shaped bezel. Whilst the shoulders are decorated with knops.

The ring is intact with no damage or restoration, a good excavated medieval jewel that can still be worn today.

OBJECT: Finger Ring

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 12th - 13th century

MATERIAL: Gold & Glass

SIZE: 22.05mm x17.92mm x 1.70mm (bezel  5.33mm x 5.27mm x 4.17mm)

RING SIZE:  7    (US)   O  (UK)

WEIGHT: 1.05 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. private collection, Bruges, Belgium.

This item is guaranteed authentic and dates to the period described. A written guarantee can be provided on request. We accept returns if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

I am a fully qualified Archaeologist and small finds specialist. All items can be viewed in person on request at Grays, Mayfair in London. Please see my website for details.

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