Rare Elizabethan 16th Century Gold Cupid Ring Renaissance Gold Ring Womens

A scarce late 19th century gold ‘priest’s ring’ from the island of Bali, Indonesia. The ring is a fantastic example of the southern Balinese style, where ...

This incredible, rare gold ring dates from the 12th century Seljuk dynasty. The carnelian intaglio is set within a typical Seljuk tapered rectangular bezel with a four-pronged gold setting soldered to the outside of the bezel. Applied and pierced arabesque designs are placed at the bottom of each prong which also reinforce the joints. Further applied gold Seljuk ornamentation decorates the band, including two gold birds and a highly decorative vestigial sprued bottom (back-knob) from the casting. The gold mount itself is also ornately and intricately chased and nielloed with arabesque patterns. Remarkably, the niello work remains in exceptional condition, and can still be seen on the underside of the bezel which is decorated with a lattice pattern. The carnelian intaglio seal is flat cut base with bevelled sides. This shape was predominantly used in the seals from the 8th to 11th century. The seal is engraved with angular Kufic script with forked terminals which dates the seal to the 9th-12th centuries (Porter, 2011). For similar referenced examples in museums and notable collections, see final photos, in particular item 26 in ‘Islamic Rings and Gems: the Benjamin Zucker Collection’ (1987). UK size K, US size 5.25 The ring weighs 9.19 grams and is crafted in high-karat gold (21K gold). The carnelian stone measures 11mm x 8mm x 3mm. The hollow box bezel measures 16mm x 10mm and protrudes 7mm from the base. This museum-grade ring is a rare survivor, most existing examples have some damage to the ring, intaglio or niello - this is a scarce example in superb, original condition. The Seljuks, a Turkish dynasty of Central Asian nomadic origins, became the new rulers of eastern Islamic lands following the defeat of the powerful Ghaznavids at the Battle of Dandanakan (1040). Under the Seljuk sultanate, which spanned from the 11th to the 13th century, goldsmiths and jewellers created works of unparalleled beauty and sophistication. Seljuk jewellery...

This scarce gold intaglio ring dates to the Indonesian Classical period, circa 8th–10th century. The ring is crafted from high-karat gold (22K), featuring a circular bezel that holds an amethyst gemstone engraved with a scorpion motif. Scorpions were often considered symbols of protection in ancient traditions, aligning with Javanese beliefs that rings possessed magical properties to bring good fortune and guard against harm. The stirrup-shaped shoulders, designed to mimic the form of water buffalo horns, are a hallmark of early Javanese craftsmanship. This distinctive design reflects both artistic expression and cultural symbolism rooted in Java’s agricultural and spiritual traditions. Java, one of Indonesia’s largest islands, was a significant centre of civilisation and artistry during this period. Gold rings were not merely decorative but also served as currency, payment for fines, dowries, and even wedding feasts. Imported gemstones, like the present amethyst, were chosen for their astrological, magical, and medicinal properties, further enhancing their importance in Javanese society. Referenced Examples: Similar rings can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Accession No. 1998.544.298). Additional examples are catalogued in Java Gold...

A scarce late Mughal period Indian gold and ruby ring dating from the mid-19th century. The cabochon cut ruby is belcher set in an open-backed mount and weighs approximately 1ct. Th...

Tudor gold spinel set ring. Set to centre with a rectangular table cut red spinel in a closed back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 1.00 carats...

Enamelled posy ring, 16th century. A yellow gold posy ring, the interior engraved ‘CONTENEW + CONSTANTE’, meaning ‘content and constant’ in old French, the letters in black enamel. T...

Post Medieval signet ring. Composed of an oval plaque featuring a finely engraved image of a thistle with stalk and leaves, the initials 'LI' in engraved...

Renaissance decorative emerald set ring. Set with a rectangular facetted natural emerald with no colour enhancement in a closed back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 1.00 carats, to a raised decorative collet with scalloped trim and fine beaded borders, engraved radiating pattern to the underside, and flanked by ornate carved shoulders with elevated scrolling openwork flourishes, all with traces of green, white and blue enamel, flowing through to a slim D-shape shank. Tested yellow gold, approximately 7.2g in weight, circa 17...