English, 14th century

H. Ulreich Juwelier, Frankfurt, 1964

Overall the condition of the ring is good. There is wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are minor scratches throughout consistent with age and handling. There are a few minor losses and some slight warping to the bezel around the stones.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A ring with a very similar ovoid bezel set with a sapphire and a ruby on either side of granular bead decoration and openwork foliate shank was sold in these rooms on 15 December 1999 as lot 116 (£5,800).  A much simpler ring inscribed AV:E MARIA G with the same paired setting of a sapphire and a ruby is kept in the British Museum (op.cit. Dalton, no. 684).

RELATED LITERATURE
O.M. Dalton, Catalogue of the finger rings bequeathed by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks, K.C.B. Early Christian, Byzantine, Teutonic, Mediaeval and later, cat. British Museum, London, 1912, p. 104, no. 684, pl. XI