English, late 15th century

found near Launde Abbey, East Norton, Leicestershire, 2013 (Portable Antiquities Scheme tracking number 2013T363)

Overall the condition of the ring is good with wear and some minor dirt to the surface consistent with age. The ruby has a fissure and had a small groove cut into it. The white and blue enamel on the shoulders has losses throughout. There are some losses to the edges of the bezel, including a larger loss and indentation on the inside of the ruby. There is a slight dent to the side of the bezel of the ruby. The hoop has an area of slight warping on the lower end and a few nicks to the edges including at the very bottom and to the shoulder near the ruby. There are some areas of scratches to the inside.
"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."

This is an early and exceptionally lavish example of a love or marriage ring on which the bond between husband and wife is symbolised by two different gems, in this case and impressive point-cut diamond and a rounded ruby that may have been taken from an earlier jewel or object. The type is rare but a similar, slightly later ring with scrollwork on the shoulders which was formerly in the Guilhou and Joan Evans collections is in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. M.1-1959). The engraved sprigs on the shoulders of the ring are typical 15^th-century goldsmith’s work in England. See, for example, an elaborate gold signet ring with springs on its shoulders in the Victoria and Albert Museum or a more modest but fine posey ring with foliate decoration on the exterior of the hoop in the British Museum (inv. nos. M.181-1937 and 1960, 1103.1).

The ring was discovered near Launde Abbey, an Elizabethan manor house situated in the valley of the river Chater. From the 12^th century onwards the site was occupied by a large and wealthy Augustinian Priory. Thomas Cromwell was so impressed by the building and the location that he presented it to himself after surveying it as part of the dissolution of the monasteries. His execution in 1540 prevented him from moving in. Instead his son Gregory and his wife Elizabeth Seymour, the sister of Henry VIII’s third wife Jane Seymour, took residence there. The movement of wealthy patrons around a major monastery, the violence with which the rich institution must have been taken for the Crown, and the importance of the subsequent inhabitants are all reasons for a ring of this significance to have been deposited in its vicinity.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Somers-Cocks, Princely Magnificence. Court Jewels of the Renaissance, 1500-1630, exh. cat Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1980, p.46, cat. 3