Medieval Gold Ring with Garnet Cabochon

The keeled hoop with three X-motifs, two stylised animal heads supporting the oval bezel inscribed with Lombardic letters (letters M and X separated by decorative motifs, cross to the top); the possibly earlier intaglio with a draped bust of an empress (Faustina the Younger?) in profile to the left, with an elongated neck and curled hair tied back in a bun at the nape of the neck. 5.98 grams, 22.96 mm overall, 18.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Acquired at Christie's, New York (Antiquities Sale), circa 2000. Important North West London collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.11818-204560.

It is likely that the inscription is abbreviation for 'Memento Mori', meaning 'remember you must die', accompanied by a cross and X for Christ. This imagery served as a reminder to the Christians to keep their soul in good order for the final judgment.

Grotesque human head in relief to centre, crescentic remains of one loop above, trapezoidal lug below; trace remains of red enamelling. 17.9 grams, 51 mm



Found Romney Marsh area, 2023. Property of a Kent gentleman.

Conjoined roundels with folded strap, Side A: three crowns flanked by initials 'D(?)A' and legend to the border 'C[..]ON{..}VYTSCO[...]'; Side B: lion rampant within a beaded border with legend '[...]VYTS * COD[...]'. 33.7 grams, 47 mm



Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK.