Medieval Gold Stirrup Ring with Sapphire

拍品描述

13th-14th century A.D. Slender keeled hoop and a high bezel set with a polished sapphire cabochon. Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 565, for a similar ring. 2.24 grams, 23.70 mm overall, 18.14 x 19.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16) (7/8 in.). [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions Website] Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13389-258004. The style of the ring is known as a stirrup ring due to the resemblance the form has to stirrups on a horse. During the Middle Ages, gemstones were often associated with magical and protective properties that they were believed to possess. Gemstones could protect against evil or poisons, as well as heightening the individual’s characteristics and strengths. Sapphires were frequently worn by Bishops and other clergy due to their ability to promote their bearer’s chastity and piety. Sapphires were believed to be able to change colour if the wearer acted sinfully or lacked faith; it was because of this belief that jewels set with sapphires were worn as symbols of honesty and devout faith. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.

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