It’s quite grand that this medieval ring, set with a much earlier sapphire
intaglio (which was probably carved in Greece around the first century BC) has
survived in such good condition. In the
Middle Ages, between the Twelfth and Fourteenth Centuries, ancient gems like
this one were frequently re-set for use as personal seals which were employed
in authenticating letters and legal documents.
The inscription around the bezel of this ring: “Tecta lege,
lecta tege” is translated as “Read what is written, hide what is read.” So, clearly, this ring was employed as a
personal signet. Why this intaglio of a
woman in profile wearing a veil was chosen, we may never know. The ancient
sapphire is set in an open-backed mount, allowing it to touch the skin of the
wearer. During this period, direct contact of the stone with the skin was
believed to convey a medicinal or amuletic benefit.
Most certainly, the setting comes from England.
The stone has been attributed to Greece, and, for awhile, possibly
Alexandria, Egypt.
Curiously, the ring was found
in a well in Hereford in 1824.
