Details

LOT 0549

Post Medieval Large Gold Ring with Heraldic Arms and IK

16TH CENTURY AD

1" (22 grams, 28mm overall, 23.79mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+4 1/2, USA 14 3/4, Europe 34.71, Japan 33)).

A substantial rectangular-section gold hoop with recesses to the edges, scale pattern panels to the shoulders, volute scrolls supporting a discoid bezel with fluted underside, beaded rim, inset rock crystal with intaglio with heraldic arms and initials I K'; the arms including a helmet with complex lambrequin, crest of a single wing, shield with a facing bull-head over a canted sword; possibly of German origin.

Provenance

From an important private London, SW1, jewellery collection collection; acquired in the 1990s. Accompanied by a X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate.

Literature

See Oman, C.C. Victoria and Albert Museum Catalogue of Rings, reprinted Ipswich, 1993, item 612 for type.

Footnotes

Dr Bonewitz notes: 'The carving of the rock crystal intaglio is very intricate and of the very highest quality - the work of a master carver.'

CONDITION