Renaissance sapphire ring

A high carat gold Renaissance ring, circa 1620, set with a table-cut sapphire of approximately one carat in a closed back setting. The shank is enamelled in black and white  with arcaded enamel to the rear of the bezel. A significant amount of enamel is still intact. In the Renaissance world rings were not just an indicator of taste, status and wealth. Finger rings were often set with gems which were ascribed magical properties. Oman in British Rings refers to ‘virtuous gem stones’, the ‘virtue’ consisting of the magical or medicinal powers accredited to different gems. The sapphire, having the colour of the heavens, was believed to comfort the heart, expel poison and detect fraud and witchcraft.  The ring is size Q [US 8] and in most wearable condition.

sold
Item ref : 0019