Renaissance rock crystal ring

A Renaissance rock crystal ring, circa 1650. The high carat gold shank is cross-hatch engraved and supports a box bezel set with the original table-cut rock crystal. The box bezel setting is also cross-hatch engraved, with black enamel. Not only were rings symbols of power and status during the Renaissance but the gems they held were believed to have protective powers. According to E. a. Wallis Budge in Amulets and Superstitions, rock crystal, the purest form of quartz,  averted the Evil Eye and carried with it the protection of Heaven where it was said to have come from. The ring is size O [US 7] and the head of the ring measures 1/3 of an inch by 1/3 of an inch. In very fine, original and wearable condition with the majority of its enamel intact.

£6000