Anglo-Norman, circa 1300

Sotheby’s, London, 15 December 1999, lot 116;
with David S. Lavender Ltd, London, United Kingdom;
private collection, United Kingdom

Overall the condition of the ring is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are some very minor surface scratches and abrasions to the gold. There are some slightly visible original joints, including one running horizontally through the stone-mounted head.
"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."

The conical granulated and leaf encrusted bezel on this ring are characteristics of Anglo-Norman jewellery. For such settings see the rings in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 816-1902) and the British Museum (inv. no. AF.1887), as well as a brooch also in the V&A (inv. no. M.530-1910), all dated to c.1300. As regards granulation, see the ring brooch, dated c.1300, from the Erfurt treasure (C.Descatoire (ed), Treasures of the Black Death, exh. cat. Wallace Collection, London, 2009, p. 81, no 30b). For rings with a similar pairing of gems within conical settings, note that in the British Museum (inv. no. AF.873) and a ring sold in these rooms on 8 July 2011, lot 31. Fede rings from this period are extremely rare - the bezel could be rotated as appropriate to either display the clasped hands, signifying the bond of love and trust, or to display the precious stones with their symbolism and amuletic properties. The sapphire associated with the heavenly realm and the ruby dignity, the light of Christ, and the warmth of the lovers hearts. For other fede rings from this period, see the 13th-century example in the British Museum (inv. no. 1980,1202.1), and an emerald/ruby ring, c.1350, published in S. Hindman, Toward an Art History of Medieval Rings: A Private Collection, no. 22.