Medieval Gold Bishop’s Ring with Sapphire and Satellite Gemstones

WESTERN EUROPE, 12TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.

7/8 in. (1.94 grams, 22.42 mm overall, 19.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).

Of episcopal type, centred by a square cabochon sapphire in a closed-back collet, four smaller collet settings arranged around the central setting set with emerald and amethyst cabochons, the bezel supported by a narrow flat-section hoop.

Provenance

Acquired on the European art market.
UK, private collection.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13501-263469.

Literature

Cf. a similar ring set with a hexagonal sapphire, found in Norfolk, UK, in 2019, in the Portable Antiquities Scheme, no.NMS-D5C69C.

Footnotes

Finger rings with a principal stone and subsidiary settings in separate collets came into use in the early 13th century, and this form of simple low collar continued in use to the 15th century.

CONDITION

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LOT 0329