Tudor sapphire ring. Set with a natural unenhanced facetted sapphire in a closed back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 6.00 carats, to an impressive ring with an octagonal shaped bezel with stepped gold border, the heavy broad shoulders leading into a D-shape shank. Tested yellow gold, approximately 22g in weight, circa 16th 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.
