Medieval 14th Century Amethyst Gold Stirrup Ring Amuletic Magical Small Ring

View Similar Items

Medieval sapphire ring, circa 14th century.

Antique Circa 14th Century Medieval sapphire gold ring

Medieval Sapphire Fede Ring, circa 14th Century AD

Medieval Cabochon Sapphire Ring, circa 13th-14th Century

Medieval turquoise stirrup ring, circa 15th century

Amethyst 14k Gold Ring, Amethyst Engagement Ring

14 Karat Amethyst Gold Ring 19th Century Claw Set

Medieval sapphire ring, circa 15th century.

'Bossingham' Medieval Garnet ring, circa 13th century.

14k Gold Mens Ring with Amethyst

14kt Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Amethyst Ring, Amethyst

Medieval Zoomorphic Sapphire Gold Ring

Video Loading

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 15

Medieval 14th Century Amethyst Gold Stirrup Ring Amuletic Magical Small Ring

About the Item

A very small but enchanting Medieval ring set with an amethyst dating to circa 1300! The high carat gold hoop extends outwards at the bezel into a distinctive medieval finger-ring shape, named by Victorian collectors as a ‘stirrup ring’ (due to the shape resembling a horse stirrup). Further research and study into this genre of the ring has concluded the ‘stirrup’ shape is likely a representation of Gothic arches, as found in the ornate windows of Cathedrals of the period. These rings were in fashion from the twelfth century well into the fourteenth century. The gold ring features a polished dark purple amethyst cabochon in a closed back rubover setting. In Medieval times, gemstone rings were considered to have amuletic and talismanic powers. Books known as ‘lapidaries’ listed the powers attributed to each stone. One of the most commonly cited virtues of amethyst was its ability to prevent drunkenness and hangovers. The word amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicating”. Ancient Greeks sometimes incorporated amethysts into wine glasses or wore the gems while drinking in hopes of avoiding intoxication. It was also commonly believed that amethysts had the ability to detect poison by becoming dim in colour. Amethysts were also particularly prized by the ecclesiastical community. Its popularity during the Middle Ages spread throughout Europe and no doubt due to its associations with piety, humility and celibacy, amethyst was adopted by the Church, becoming the gem we most closely associate with massive gold rings worn by Popes and Bishops. UK size F, US size 2.75, 0.84g, tests as high carat gold, approx. 20K-22K. The amethyst measures 6mm x 4mm

Ring Size:
3 US, Not Resizable
Metal:
Gold
Stone:
Amethyst
Stone Cut:
Cabochon
Weight:
0.84 g
Style:
Medieval
Place of Origin:
Europe
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
1300
Condition:
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2845218406182