Mastery of Design: The Dame Joan Evans Signet Ring, 1652

Signet Ring, 1652
The Victoria & Albert Museum

A carnelian intaglio forms the centerpiece of this signet ring which is part of the celebrated jewelry collection of Dame Joan Evans. This gold signet ring features an oval bezel with a decorative. scalloped edge. Crafted in England in 1652, the intaglio bears with the arms of the House of Rushe, engraved behind with a skull and inscribed “I/ R/ Obijt Sep. t/ 13th .52. etat.63.”