13th C. Medieval English Gold & Almandine Garnet Ring

About Auction

Live

Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographica Fine Ar...

By Artemis Gallery

Jul 14, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-07-14 10:00:00 2022-07-14 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographica Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographica-fine-art-9692
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

View Full Catalog (380)

• Lot Description
  Northern Europe, England, Medieval Period, ca. 1250 to 1350 CE. A dazzling gold and almandine garnet ring boasting an elegant minimalist form exemplifying the pious nature of the period in which it was created. The ornament is comprised of a tubular gold band featuring an en cabochon almandine garnet set in an ovoid, pie crust bezel. The bezel rubs over the edges of the rich, burgundy-hued stone, which exhibits a smooth, convex face. Rings of this type were favored by the nobility and merchant class of Northern Europe. Size (ring): 0.9" Diameter (2.3 cm); (bezel): 0.2" W x 0.3" H (0.5 cm x 0.8 cm); gold quality: 86% (equivalent to 20K+); weight: 2.1 grams; US ring size: 5.5
  
  In contrast to the modern Western view of both natural and man-made objects as dead matter, in the Medieval period gemstones and metals were believed to have properties in the same way as living creatures and could be used to cure diseases or cast spells. According to archeologist Dr. Marianne Vedeler of the University of Oslo, "Gold was considered the finest of all precious metals in the Middle Ages, as it is today, and one of the best known authors of the medieval era, Albertus Magnus, recommended using gold 'against tremors of the heart and against the black bile that causes melancholy, especially the type of affliction that causes a man to talk to himself while alone'. Garnet belonged to the group of gemstones referred to as carbuncles, which were reputed to be able to dispel poisonous air and fumes." (Marianne Vedeler, "Banishing melancholy with a gold ring," Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo, March 26, 2020.)
  
  Provenance: private Boynton Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private Eindhoven, Netherlands collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
  
  #172477

  Condition

  Some very light scratches to gold and miniscule chipping to edges of bezel. Otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 26.50 %