15th Century and Earlier Solitaire Rings

A scarce ancient Javanese gold and sapphire ring dating from the 7th-15th century Indonesian Classical period. As expected with Javanese gem-set gold r...

A superb Islamic gold and garnet stirrup ring dating from the 12th century Seljuk Dynasty. The truncated conical bezel is set with a natural pyramidal for...

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...

An elaborate and rare example of a Medieval ring set with a sapphire dating to circa 1400! The high carat gold D-shaped band is hollow in nature and the 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 is set with a polished dark blue sapphire cabochon. In Medieval times, gemstone rings were considered to have amuletic and talismanic power. Sapphires were particularly prized by the ecclesiastical community. The celestial blue colour was described by the writer Bartholomeus Anglicus (died 1272) as ‘most like heaven’ and they were associated with the Virgin Mary, often depicted wearing a blue gown. Sapphires were also believed to promote chastity, peace and to incline God to hear prayers favourably. For these reasons, They they were often found in English and French tombs of high-ranking clergymen, such as Bishop’s, Abbots and Priors. Even outside of the ecclesiastical community, sapphires were a favourite choice in the Middle Ages, though so rare that they were reserved solely for royalty, upper nobility and certain high ranking clergymen. Books known as ‘lapidaries’ listed the powers attributed to each stone. The Liber Lapidum of Marbodus of Rennes (1067-81) was one of the most widely read and claimed that sapphires could protect the body, cool fevers and headaches, calm the eyes and cure stammers. The sapphires found in Medieval jewellery...

Vintage Style 0.72 Ct Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, 14K Solitaire Ring, created by hands from ring to the stone shapes. Good ideas of statement ring or engagement ring gift fo...

An ancient Roman carnelian intaglio ringstone, circa 1st-2nd century AD, is mounted in a modern high karat gold setting. The stone is engraved...

Gia Certificated 0.33 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond Vintage Style Ring - Vintage Engagement Ring With Marquise Gia Certificated 0.33 Ct H Vs2 Diamond And Mate Yellow 14 Karat Gold creat...

This early Byzantine ring, circa 5th-6th centuries CE, is finely crafted in 21 Karat gold. The ring features an oval cabochon cut garnet of a deep red ...

Byzantine Empire, circa 8th - 10th century AD The gold bezel of the ring is shaped as a quatrefoil - an ancient symbol of good luck, health and fortune. The original stone did...