Medieval Gold Ring with Garnet

Comprising a D-section expanding hoop and an oval bezel with a grid design resembling a spider's web. 7.99 grams, 23.53 mm overall, 18.97 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

In the Middle Ages, the signet ring became a distinctive sign of belonging to a specific noble family or clan, or Guild. The ring, with the coat of arms or symbol of the Guild or Corporation engraved on the bezel, was pressed onto melted sealing wax to seal letters, edicts, and contracts, guaranteeing the document's authenticity.

Flat-section hoop with linear motifs on the shoulders, rectangular bezel with incised border and an antelope in a dynamic pose facing left. 5.36 grams, 23.25 mm overall, 20.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

The finger rings worn by merchants and tradesmen were made of different metals. The commonest were in brass or bronze. The merchants and tradesmen ordered various devices to be engraved on the bezels of their rings, and sometimes they gave the appearance being of heraldic blazons.

Pointillé retrograde legend ' KEΛ/IHEH/AIIΛ'. 5.41 grams, 22.06 mm overall, 19.63 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.