{"product_id":"medieval-silver-amethyst-ring","title":"Medieval Silver Amethyst Ring","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eA medieval silver ring, 13th to 14th century and probably English or French, set with an amethyst in a raised box bezel.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eRings of this kind were worn across England and France in the high Middle Ages. Few survive whole, and fewer still can be worn today.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe stone was chosen for more than its colour. Medieval lapidaries, the encyclopaedias of gems read across Europe, set out the powers of each stone. The most popular, the verse \u003cem\u003eLiber lapidum\u003c\/em\u003e of Marbode, Bishop of Rennes (d. 1123), had been translated into French, Provençal, Italian, Irish and Danish by the 14th century. Of amethyst, a 12th-century French version says simply: “From India it comes; it is easy to work, and it prevents intoxication.” The belief was already ancient, as the name comes from the Greek \u003cem\u003eamethystos\u003c\/em\u003e, “not drunk”. A ring like this was a quiet safeguard, worn to keep its owner clear-headed at the table.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe design is simple and strong: a rectangular stone with a flat top and bevelled edges, set high in a box-shaped bezel on a plain rounded band. Under magnification, traces of the original gilding can still be seen.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eCenturies of age have given the silver a deep, uneven patina, with wear, traces of solder and old repairs from a long working life. The stone has since been secured by our bench jeweller, and the ring is ready to wear.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eA rare chance to wear something seven hundred years old, with its talisman for sobriety intact.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDetails:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13th–14th century; probably England or France; silver, once gilded; amethyst; bezel 1 cm wide; band 3 mm; UK K, US 5¼.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good for its age. Strong patina, areas of wear, and traces of solder from historic repairs. The stone has been re-secured and the ring is wearable.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ravensbury Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49369967100212,"sku":null,"price":1710.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/files\/p17-04.jpg?v=1794057585","url":"https:\/\/ravensburyantiques.com\/de-de\/products\/medieval-silver-amethyst-ring","provider":"Ravensbury Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}