Medieval Silver Ring with Red Cabochon Stone - Circa 14th–17th Century Size UK R, US 8.5-Heavy!!!
A striking and well-preserved medieval silver ring featuring a large red glass cabochon set within an ornate, high-profile bezel. This piece exemplifies the rich cross-cultural metalwork traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean during the Crusader period, blending Byzantine and Islamic decorative elements.
Specifications:
Date: Circa 1300–1600 AD
Region: Eastern Mediterranean (Levant / Byzantine-influenced)
Material: Silver
Stone: Red cabochon
Weight: 8.61 grams
Inner Diameter: 18.5 mm
Ring Size Conversion
US Size: ~8.5
EU Size: ~58
UK Size -R
Description:
This substantial ring is centred by a large, circular red glass cabochon, flat-topped and set in a tall, serrated bezel. The bezel is framed by multiple bands of twisted wire ornamentation, creating a bold, textured profile typical of medieval Eastern Mediterranean craftsmanship.
The shoulders are decorated with a distinctive tri-lobed motif composed of three circular cells bordered by rope-like silver wire. These elements likely once held decorative inlays or enamel, now worn smooth through age.
The hoop is thick, rounded, and tapers slightly toward the rear, showing hand-worked finishing consistent with authentic medieval manufacture.
Condition:
Structurally sound and stable
Glass cabochon cracked but firmly secured and original
Surface wear and patina consistent with age
Minor loss or smoothing of decorative shoulder elements
No modern repairs observed
Overall, the ring presents exceptionally well and remains highly displayable and wearable.
Typology & Attribution:
This ring belongs to a well-documented group of Eastern Mediterranean medieval rings characterised by:
High serrated bezels
Twisted wire (pseudo-filigree) decoration
Glass cabochon inlays imitating precious stones
Multi-cell shoulder ornamentation
Such rings were produced across Byzantine and Islamic cultural spheres and widely circulated during the Crusader period.
Rather than strictly Western European, this example reflects the hybrid artistic environment of the medieval Levant, where Crusaders, Byzantines, and Islamic craftsmen intersected.
Historical Context:
During the 12th–14th centuries, jewellery production in the Eastern Mediterranean was marked by strong regional styles and material adaptation. Glass cabochons were frequently used as affordable substitutes for garnet or carnelian, while silver remained the dominant metal for personal adornment.
Objects like this were worn by individuals across cultural and religious boundaries, making them powerful examples of medieval exchange and interaction.
Collectibility:
Authentic Crusader-era horizon piece
Strong visual presence with a large bezel
Excellent example of cross-cultural medieval craftsmanship
Increasingly scarce on the market
Provenance:
From an old European private collection, assembled in the 1980s.
A provenance statement and declaration of legal origin can be provided in PDF format upon request.
Final Note:
A compelling and wearable artefact from the medieval Eastern Mediterranean, combining historical significance with bold, timeless design.
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