Medieval Silver Amethyst Ring
From the Journal
Medieval Rings: Stirrup Rings, Posy Rings and the Power of Stones
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A medieval silver ring, 13th to 14th century and probably English or French, set with an amethyst in a raised box bezel.Rings of this kind were worn across England and France in the high Middle Ages. Few survive whole, and fewer still can be worn today.The 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 Liber lapidum 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 amethystos, “not drunk”. A ring like this was a quiet safeguard, worn to keep its owner clear-headed at the table.The 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.Centuries 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.A rare chance to wear something seven hundred years old, with its talisman for sobriety intact.Details: 13th–14th century; probably England or France; silver, once gilded; amethyst; bezel 1 cm wide; band 3 mm; UK K, US 5¼.Condition: 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.
A medieval silver ring, 13th to 14th century and probably English or French, set with an amethyst in a raised box bezel.
Rings of this kind were worn across England and France in the high Middle Ages. Few survive whole, and fewer still can be worn today.
The 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 Liber lapidum 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 amethystos, “not drunk”. A ring like this was a quiet safeguard, worn to keep its owner clear-headed at the table.
The 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.
Centuries 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.
A rare chance to wear something seven hundred years old, with its talisman for sobriety intact.
Details: 13th–14th century; probably England or France; silver, once gilded; amethyst; bezel 1 cm wide; band 3 mm; UK K, US 5¼.
Condition: 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.
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