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Medieval Gold and Ruby Ring
A scarce and delicate medieval gold ring, dating to the mid-14th century and almost certainly made in England or France. Crafted in high-carat yellow gold (testing approximately 23K), the ring is of light and slender proportions, weighing just 0.8 grams. Despite its daintiness, it retains its integrity and wearability after nearly 700 years.
This type of ring, with its tapered band and cabochon-set gem, belongs to a well-documented group of medieval gold finger rings worn across Western Europe in the 13th and 14th centuries. The shoulders are decorated with a repeating raised quatrefoil motif, a common decorative device in Gothic metalwork and sculpture of the period. These floral or cruciform shapes are not merely ornamental; they carried Christian connotations of virtue and divine favour, and appear frequently on rings used as gifts or tokens of love.
Set in a closed-back collet is a small ruby cabochon of vivid pinkish-red hue, approximately 0.25 carats. At this date, rubies (alongside sapphires and emeralds) were among the most prized and symbolically potent gemstones, associated with protection, vitality, and divine love.Ā
The band measures 2mm at the front and tapers to 1.5mm at the back. It is UK size KĀ½ / US size 5.5. There is evidence of a historic repair to the band, entirely in keeping with its age, but otherwise it remains in good wearable condition.
Comparable examples include rings in the British Museum (AF.998, AF.999, AF.1072) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (M.286-1962 and M.288-1962), which show similar proportions, cabochon settings, and raised quatrefoil detailing.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a wearable piece of 14th-century jewellery, a survival from the age of Chaucer, Gothic cathedrals, and the Black Death - whose elegant simplicity continues to resonate today.
$1,708.58
Original: $5,695.28
-70%Medieval Gold and Ruby Ringā
$5,695.28
$1,708.58Product Information
Product Information
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Shipping & Returns
Description
A scarce and delicate medieval gold ring, dating to the mid-14th century and almost certainly made in England or France. Crafted in high-carat yellow gold (testing approximately 23K), the ring is of light and slender proportions, weighing just 0.8 grams. Despite its daintiness, it retains its integrity and wearability after nearly 700 years.
This type of ring, with its tapered band and cabochon-set gem, belongs to a well-documented group of medieval gold finger rings worn across Western Europe in the 13th and 14th centuries. The shoulders are decorated with a repeating raised quatrefoil motif, a common decorative device in Gothic metalwork and sculpture of the period. These floral or cruciform shapes are not merely ornamental; they carried Christian connotations of virtue and divine favour, and appear frequently on rings used as gifts or tokens of love.
Set in a closed-back collet is a small ruby cabochon of vivid pinkish-red hue, approximately 0.25 carats. At this date, rubies (alongside sapphires and emeralds) were among the most prized and symbolically potent gemstones, associated with protection, vitality, and divine love.Ā
The band measures 2mm at the front and tapers to 1.5mm at the back. It is UK size KĀ½ / US size 5.5. There is evidence of a historic repair to the band, entirely in keeping with its age, but otherwise it remains in good wearable condition.
Comparable examples include rings in the British Museum (AF.998, AF.999, AF.1072) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (M.286-1962 and M.288-1962), which show similar proportions, cabochon settings, and raised quatrefoil detailing.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a wearable piece of 14th-century jewellery, a survival from the age of Chaucer, Gothic cathedrals, and the Black Death - whose elegant simplicity continues to resonate today.
