Rings

Gold ring with D-section hoop widening towards the shoulders with pillar-like details, capital and arched supports which hold an oval calyx-shaped bezel. The underside is fluted and on top are nine embedded turquoise cabochons in cusped settings. The ring shows signs of wear and is in good wearable condition.

Literature:

This ring could have been a gift from a loved one. Turquoise symbolized friendship or love since the Renaissance period, and the tradition continued well into the nineteenth century. For the meaning behind turquoise, see Beatriz Chadour-Sampson, The Power of Love, Jewels, Romance and Eternity 2019, pp. 45, 46, 86.

Cluster rings became fashionable in the seventeenth century and can be found studded with different gemstones, including diamonds. Rings such as this one had been worn in Italy, foremost in the region of Lazio. For similar examples see: Victoria and Allbert Museum, London (Oman 1930, no. 433), Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim (Heinz Battke, Geschichte des Ringes, Baden Baden, 1953, no. 141), Museo Nazionale dell Arti e Tradizioni Popolari (exh. cat. L’ornamento prezioso, Rome 1986, nos. 131, 132); Alice and Louis Koch Collection in the Swiss National Museum, Zurich (Chadour 1994, vol. II, no. 1347).

R-1069