Rare Medieval Gold & Black Sapphire Finger Ring c. 13th - 14th century A.D.

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Rare Medieval Gold & Black Sapphire Finger Ring c. 13th - 14th century A.D. :
$2321.20

This is a medieval gold finger ring set with a rare black sapphire, dating to the late 13th - early 14th century. The cabochon sapphire is held in a raised collet bezel, with a rubbed over setting. Black sapphires are found in very few medieval rings of this date (most surviving sapphire rings are an azure or dark blue sapphire), similar black sapphires can be seenhere,hereandhere. Raman spectroscopy analysis of the gem has classed as a corundum, which for this colour is known as sapphire, for the extreme end of the colour ratio from a light blue. The high polish and irregularity, indicate it was shaped from a nugget and the bezel of the ring formed around the stone. This workmanship is typical of the medieval goldsmith who created jewels to simply display the gems as God had created them. This medieval ring would have been worn for its prophylactic properties, to guard against poison, snake bites and to shield the wearer from harm. During this period, such a ring would have been eagerly sought by the very richest of patrons, to protect them from the Black Death that swept across Europe. This ring set with a black sapphire would have been seen as a very good antidote to the plague, whether it worked we shall never know! Today this jewel has come safely down to us intact and in good wearable condition. It has a few bumps and scrapes from time spent buried in arable land. This is due to the softness of the gold and can easily be cleaned up.

OBJECT: Finger ring

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 1280 - 1320 A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold & Sapphire

SIZE: 24.85mm x 21.48mm 1.45mm (bezel 4.57mm x 5.11mm x 5.91mm)

RING SIZE:7 3/4(US)P 1/2(UK)

WEIGHT: 2.4 grams

PROVENANCE: ex. property of a collector, Hulsberg, Netherlands.

This item is guaranteed authentic and dates to the period described. A written guarantee can be provided on request. We accept returns if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

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