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Description
Elizabethan goldsignet ring with Scottish rampant lion. A solid gold signet ring comprising of a central flat discoid bezel with a ropework border, featuring a rampant heraldic lion facing to the left with jaws open and tongue extended, flanked by broad trumpeting shoulders which flow through to a solid tapering D-shapeshank. Tested 22 carat yellow gold, approximately 7.79 grams in weight, English, circa 16th century, accompanied by a museum quality impression. This ring shows exceptional craftsmanship in its engraved details and is in fine condition commensurate with its age.
The lion facing left is depicted on the Royal banner of the kings of Scotland, in use since 1222 AD in the reign of Alexander II, the single rampant lion still appears as part of the Royal arms of the United Kingdom to this day following the Act of Union between England and Scotland under Queen Anne in 1707 AD.
The majority of items can be re-sized free of charge.
Medieval rings, dating from circa 5th to 15th century AD are so rare that they were predominately reserved for the highest members of society- namely royalty, nobility and high ranking clergymen.
Byzantine rings often display the newly embraced religion of Christianity with images of crosses, saints and Christ.
Viking rings have a very distinct appearance, typically in the form of twisted wire bands. These vary from being simplistic to extremely elaborate and formed from numerous yellow gold wires plaited together.
Bishop’s stirrup rings were a particular style during this time in France and England. The shape of the ring rises to an apex, and so gets its name from the shape of a horse’s stirrup. It is also thought that the shape echoes the ceiling arches within cathedrals, so it is fitting that these rings were often worn by bishops.
‘Fede’ rings, adorned with the image of a pair of clasping hands is another popular motif of this period. These were used as betrothal rings as the joining of hands in a handshake marks the consecration of the marriage ceremony.
Medieval seal rings were a functional piece of jewellery. These were an essential device in business transactions, which permitted the wearer to authorise important documents.
Iconographic rings again have a specific shape, usually with two parallel flat sides reaching to a point, often engraved with images of saints and enhanced with floral or geometric patterns.
Each extraordinary medieval ring offers a fascinating glimpse of a bygone era. We are privileged to be able to offer an impressive collection of these very special and rare jewels which can be prized, enjoyed and worn today.
Elizabethan gold signet ring with Scottish rampant lion, circa 16th century.
Elizabethan gold signet ring with Scottish rampant lion. A solid gold signet ring comprising of a central flat discoid bezel with a ropework border, featuring a rampant heraldic lion facing to the left with jaws open and tongue extended, flanked by broad trumpeting shoulders which flow through to a solid tapering D-shape shank. Tested 22 carat yellow gold, approximately 7.79 grams in weight, English, circa 16th century, accompanied by a museum quality impression. This ring shows exceptional craftsmanship in its engraved details and is in fine condition commensurate with its age.
The lion facing left is depicted on the Royal banner of the kings of Scotland, in use since 1222 AD in the reign of Alexander II, the single rampant lion still appears as part of the Royal arms of the United Kingdom to this day following the Act of Union between England and Scotland under Queen Anne in 1707 AD.