Medieval sapphire ring. Set with an oval cabochon natural unenhanced sapphire in a closed back rubover setting, to an octagonal shaped bezel and leading through to a smoothly conforming flat shank. Tested yellow gold, circa 14-15th century, accompanied by an Oxford Labs X-ray fluorescence report stating the composition of the metal.
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. Sapphires were thought to be imbued with magical powers such as protecting the wearer from the effects of poison, preserving chastity, keeping the peace and curing snake bites.
