Rare Medieval Amethyst Ring – Ravensbury Antiques

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Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280
Rare Medieval Gold and Amethyst Ring, Western Europe, c. 1280

Rare Medieval Amethyst Ring

$59,026.00
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    • A rare surviving example of a medieval gold ring, dating to around 1280. Crafted in high-karat gold, this piece features a distinctive raised box bezel—often referred to as a ‘pie-dish’ or moule à tarte setting—housing a natural amethyst cabochon.

      In Medieval times, gemstone rings were considered to have amuletic and talismanic powers. Books known as ‘lapidaries’ listed the powers attributed to each stone. One of the most commonly cited virtues of amethyst was its ability to prevent drunkenness and hangovers. The word amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicating”. 
      Ancient Greeks sometimes incorporated amethysts into wine glasses or wore the gems while drinking in hopes of avoiding intoxication.

      Amethysts were also particularly prized by the ecclesiastical community. Its popularity during the Middle Ages spread throughout Europe and no doubt due to its associations with piety, humility and celibacy, amethyst was adopted by the Church, becoming the gem we most closely associate with massive gold rings worn by Popes and Bishops.

      This ring remains in remarkable condition for its age, with the amethyst securely set and the gold displaying an elegant patina.

      • UK size K½ / US size 5.5
      • Bezel measures 8mm x 7mm
      • Amethyst cabochon: 3mm x 2mm
      • Tests as 22K gold
      • Weight: 1.38 grams

      A rare and wearable piece of medieval history.

    A rare surviving example of a medieval gold ring, dating to around 1280. Crafted in high-karat gold, this piece features a distinctive raised box bezel—often referred to as a ‘pie-dish’ or moule à tarte setting—housing a natural amethyst cabochon.

    In Medieval times, gemstone rings were considered to have amuletic and talismanic powers. Books known as ‘lapidaries’ listed the powers attributed to each stone. One of the most commonly cited virtues of amethyst was its ability to prevent drunkenness and hangovers. The word amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicating”. 
    Ancient Greeks sometimes incorporated amethysts into wine glasses or wore the gems while drinking in hopes of avoiding intoxication.

    Amethysts were also particularly prized by the ecclesiastical community. Its popularity during the Middle Ages spread throughout Europe and no doubt due to its associations with piety, humility and celibacy, amethyst was adopted by the Church, becoming the gem we most closely associate with massive gold rings worn by Popes and Bishops.

    This ring remains in remarkable condition for its age, with the amethyst securely set and the gold displaying an elegant patina.

    • UK size K½ / US size 5.5
    • Bezel measures 8mm x 7mm
    • Amethyst cabochon: 3mm x 2mm
    • Tests as 22K gold
    • Weight: 1.38 grams

    A rare and wearable piece of medieval history.

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