Originally listed at $1,800...

Northern Europe, England, Medieval Period, ca. 1250 to 1350 CE. A dazzling gold and almandine garnet ring boasting an elegant minimalist form exemplifying the pious nature of the period in which it was created. The ornament is comprised of a tubular gold band featuring an en cabochon almandine garnet set in an ovoid, pie crust bezel. The bezel rubs over the edges of the rich, burgundy-hued stone, which exhibits a smooth, convex face. Rings of this type were favored by the nobility and merchant class of Northern Europe. Size (ring): 0.9" Diameter (2.3 cm); (bezel): 0.2" W x 0.3" H (0.5 cm x 0.8 cm); gold quality: 86% (equivalent to 20K+); weight: 2.1 grams; US ring size: 5.5

In contrast to the modern Western view of both natural and man-made objects as dead matter, in the Medieval period gemstones and metals were believed to have properties in the same way as living creatures and could be used to cure diseases or cast spells. According to archeologist Dr. Marianne Vedeler of the University of Oslo, "Gold was considered the finest of all precious metals in the Middle Ages, as it is today, and one of the best known authors of the medieval era, Albertus Magnus, recommended using gold 'against tremors of the heart and against the black bile that causes melancholy, especially the type of affliction that causes a man to talk to himself while alone'. Garnet belonged to the group of gemstones referred to as carbuncles, which were reputed to be able to dispel poisonous air and fumes." (Marianne Vedeler, "Banishing melancholy with a gold ring," Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo, March 26, 2020.)

Provenance: private Boynton Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private Eindhoven, Netherlands collection

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#172477

Some very light scratches to gold and miniscule chipping to edges of bezel. Otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable.