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Medieval

Medieval bronze stirrup ring - white enamels or stone setting remains

The stirrup ring, with its distinctive form that suggests both a horse stirrup and a Gothic arch, was in fashion from the twelfth century well into the fourteenth century. They were most commonly set with a sapphire and worn by both clergy and laymen.

This style of ring was popular with bishops, as the gems used traditionally had religious significance. The ring would be worn on the middle finger of the right hand, sometimes over gloves.

During the Middle Ages jewellery was a symbol of status for the nobility and wealthy, showing their position in society. It was during the 14th century that Sumphiary Laws were initiated, limiting the amount of gold, silver or gemstones ‘commoners’ could own. These laws were meant to curb opulence and promote frugality by regulation.

Child's version

Medieval Heraldic ring - 2 chevrons

Interesting medieval ring with enamel - not gold or silver

Seal ring of Edward Saddler

More medieval seal matrix used by Edward Saddler

Medieval bronze seal ring - bearded figure sitting - 2.70g, 18.86 mm dia x 9.62 mm W

Medieval seal ring

Medieval traders seal rings

Medieval Knights Templar finger ring - matrix

Founded in Jerusalem in 1118 by Hugo de Payns and eight other French knights, with the name of Poor Knights of Christ. Their mission was to protect pilgrims who came to the Holy Places. Later, the king of Jerusalem, Baldwin II, installed them in the near the ancient temple of Solomon palace, so they changed their name to the Knights Templar. During the time of the Crusades, the Templars actively participated in the defense of Palestine, which had many strengths. At the same time they acted as bankers pilgrims, so they obtained great wealth. Being expelled the Christians of Palestine, the Templars retreated to Cyprus. In the Iberian peninsula they were established during the twelfth century; first in Catalonia, Aragon and Navarra. They were responsible for the defense of the borders and participated in numerous expeditions against the Muslims (conquest of Lleida, Tortosa, Valencia, Mallorca, etc.). On the death of Alfonso the Battler were named heirs, along with other military orders, the kingdom of Aragon; in exchange for his resignation inheritance received various strengths. All this contributed to the economic and social dominance of the Templars were ever increasing, so that in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries owned large estates in the eastern part of the peninsula. In the castellanoleonés kingdom they were established shortly after Aragon, also collaborating in the task of Recapture. Alfonso VII gave them the strength of Calatrava; They collaborated in making Cuenca, in the famous battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212) and the conquest of Seville. In France, the Templars had become bankers of kings. Philip IV the Fair, dedicated to seize their property, convinced Pope Clement V that initiate a process against the Templars, accusing them of impiety (1307). The Grand Master of the Order, Jacques de Molay, and 140 members were arrested. Presumed innocent at the Council of Vienne (1311), Clement V dissolved the order and created a commission to reeprendió the process. They were sentenced to prison, but the royal council of Philip IV sentenced to death by relapses. The king seized their chattels and gave his possessions to the hospital. In the other European countries did not prosper the allegations but, following the dissolution of the order, the Templars were dispersed and their property passed to the Crown (Castilla), other orders new foundation (Montesa in Valencia and Jesus Christ in Portugal)

Spectacular Medieval seal ring - Madonna and child

Medieval seal ring - Fleur de Lis

Medieval bronze posy ring 1.51g, 20.82mm dia x 2.62mm w

Anglo Saxon brooch

Anglo Saxon brooch ?

Post medieval

Victorian copper torc

Victorian copper torc

17th/18th decorated finger rings

Post medieval gold plated copper twisted wire ring

2.03g, 21.5mm

Very interesting dark stone (amber) set in a bronze mount