Ring Engraved Gold and Cabochon Sapphire 1250-1300 Possibly English or French The Victoria & Albert Museum |
Sapphires were considered as contributors to peace, reconciliation and chastity. Furthermore, the wearer of a sapphire was said to have a clearer communication with God who would be more inclined to hear the wearer’s prayers more favorably.
The Victoria & Albert Museum |
This ring from the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London dates to between 1250 and 1300 and shows the predominant trend of jewels of the era. The sapphire has been polished into a cabochon and secured to the ring in a thick claw setting. The setting is mounted at quite a height. Though it seems ridiculous to modern eyes, this tall setting allowed for more light to enter the stone. The ring itself is crafted from engraved gold with the kind of foliate pattern which appealed to medieval sensibilities. This was the stuff of the very wealthy and, unfortunately, very few pieces of jewelry from this time period survive.
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