The intricate carvings and colorful stones found in medieval-era jewelry are loaded with meanings that extend well beyond pizzazz. The wearers of such jewels, including clergymen, believed that certain gems and motifs held special powers. Sapphire, for instance, was thought to invoke truth-telling, and coral was considered particularly effective at warding off evil spirits. Some rings have engraved portraits of saints or married couples, while others feature morbidly curious memento mori, or reminders of death.
The medieval look continued to capture the imaginations of jewelers in the centuries that followed. From Berlin Iron necklaces in the early 1800s to Chanel gold cuffs in more recent years, the romance of the Middle Ages always seems to come back in style. Read more in Introspective magazine
$12,500
Chanel Byzantine Cuffs
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of Chanel Byzantine style cuffs with ruby pate de verre stones by Gripoix. Cuffs are set in Antiqued gold finish with twisted wire bezels around each sugar loaf stone...
Gilt Metal
Medieval Zoomorphic Sapphire Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
Medieval zoomorphic sapphire ring. An important piece, horizontally set with a sapphire cabochon, originally used as a bead with lengthwise drill hole, in a closed back collet settin...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Gold
Chanel Pair of Chain decorated Cuffs
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Extraordinary pair of Chanel chain decorated biker cuffs from the 1980's. Designed by Victoire de Castellane under Karl Lagerfeld, this is the period where all of Chanel's iconograph...
Bronze
Chanel Byzantine Crest Brooch
By Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel byzantine style crest brooch by Maison Gripoix. Poured glass emerald and ruby oval and heart shape cabochons are mixed with faceted cut topaz stone...
Gilt Metal, Gold Plate, Bronze, Enamel
Medieval sapphire cabochon gold ring circa 14-15th century
Located in London, GB
Medieval sapphire cabochon gold ring. Set with a hexagonal cabochon natural unenhanced sapphire in a closed back rubover collet setting with an ...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Gold
Exceptional Georgian Berlin Iron Link Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
Berlin iron jewelry was produced in Germany by the Berlin Royal Foundry beginning in 1804. Previously, iron jewelry had primarily been worn in periods of mourning due to its dark color. However, it reached a high point of popularity between 1813 and 1819. To fund the War of Liberation against Napolean, citizens were asked to donate their precious gold in exchange for iron jewelry, which was sometimes inscribed with a portrait of Frederick William III of Prussia or the words "Gold gab ich für Eisen...
Berlin Iron
Museum Quality Antique Early Byzantine 4th Century AD Gold Marriage Ring
Located in London, GB
Early Byzantine gold marriage ring. The central square plaque carved to depict two facing busts wearing crowns, a cross and orb inbetween, with the...
Yellow Gold
Post Medieval Gold Posy Ring TOVT IOVRS LOIALL
Located in London, GB
Post Medieval gold posy ring '+ TOVT IOVRS LOIALL' ('ever faithful'). A smooth D-shape band engraved to the interior in seriffed capitals '+ TOVT IOVRS ...
Yellow Gold
On Hold|$16,500
Important Byzantine Style Brooch, Property of Coco Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Riverdale, NY
Formerly property of Coco Chanel, this Byzantine style brooch of gilt bronze by Goossens is formed of four square pate de verre emeralds enclos...
Joseff of Hollywood Byzantine Revival Fob Earclips
By Joseff of Hollywood
Located in New York, NY
Joseff Hollywood signature lacquered Russian gilt and emerald cabochon Byzantine revival fob dangle earclips. Clip back fittings. 1940's USA. Length...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Byzantine Haute Couture Link Bracelet
By Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Maison Gripoix for Chanel Byzantine style articulated link bracelet, handmade and composed of six gilt filigree links with ruby and emerald rectangul...
Gilt Metal, Bronze, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Shield Cuff Solid Silver
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
Fluid and bold solid Silver cuff. Pairs with Shield Ring. Also available in Yellow Gold and White and Rose Gold by special order.
Sterling Silver
Shield Cuff Solid 18 Karat Gold
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
Fluid and bold solid 18 karat gold cuff. Pairs with Shield Ring. Also available in Silver and White Gold by special order.
18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 14K Gold & Bloodstone Cabochon Signet Ring by Jones & Woodland
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique gold & bloodstone or heliotrope ring In 14 karat yellow gold. By Jones & Woodland of Newark, NJ (active ca. 1930 - 1950). With a bezel-set bloodstone cabochon to th...
Jasper, 14k Gold
Ammonite 22 Karat and 18 Karat Gold Cuff Bracelet Tourmaline Tanzanite Garnet
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Ammonite is another stunning, magical fossilized gem. The accent stones in this cuff bracelet are tourmaline, kyanite and garnet in 22k and 18k gold. This cuff is comfortable and o...
Tourmaline, Garnet, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Sapphire Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite ring highlights the unique beauty of a substantial 13.44 carat cabochon sapphire, set in rich 14K yellow gold. The cabochon cut, with its polished, unfaceted dome, all...
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Orange Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
By Avanti
Located in Carrollton, TX
This stunning 3-stone style halo ring with a vibrant orange sapphire will grasp everyone's attention. The mounting is set with brilliant round diamonds around the top and profile. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Star Sapphire/Ruby 22 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Pamela Farland
Located in New York, NY
Star sapphires have a long and fascinating history of being highly coveted and prized as very special and unique gemstones. This rare, 32.17 carat star...
Ruby, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire solitaire engagement ring 18k yellow gold
By Unbranded
Located in London, GB
This beautiful engagement ring features a stunning oval sapphire weighing approximately 1.65ct set in 18k yellow gold. The solitaire setting style highlights the magnificent oval -shaped main stone, while the 2mm band adds a delicate touch to the overall design. The ring is perfect for any occasion, especially engagements, and its art-inspired theme adds a unique touch to its elegance. Crafted with fine attention to detail, this ring is a true masterpiece, perfect for anyone looking for an exquisite piece of fine jewellery to cherish for a lifetime. Sapphire natural blue gemstone oval shaped mounted in 18k yellow gold plain band. Size M. Accompanied by valuation. This exquisite 18k yellow gold ring features a stunning oval sapphire as its centrepiece, complemented by a plain gold band...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Marquise Double Link Necklace
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold Marquise Double Link Necklace finished at 17" with a snap clasp closure. The larger marquise links are approximately 1" long a...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
The ring is hand made of 14k gold and features a classic 3-stone style. The center stone is a large oval cabochon emerald with a high dome, which makes it stand out on the hand. The ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Gem Gold Link Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and colorful link necklace of emerald, yellow sapphire, pink tourmaline, and tanzanite baroque shaped nuggets weighing a total of 415.70 carats, finished with caps and li...
$283Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.14 in W 1.86 in L 2.41 in
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet Flow Triangle to Square
By Wesley Kloss Fine Jewelry
Located in Cleveland, OH
The Flow Cuff Bracelet in solid sterling silver begins as a triangle and evolves into a square at its opposite end. This elegant bracelet can blend seamlessly into any style or becom...
Silver, Sterling Silver