Tudor Gold & Enamel Finger Ring

Code: 10684

This is an excavated Tudor gold and enamel finger ring, dating to the 1580s. It was discovered in Essex, recorded as ESS-4F664C. The ring was disclaimed by the Crown and returned to the original finder from whom I acquired.

The ring is intact, though sadly missing the original gemstone, likely a table cut ruby or diamond. It retains traces of black enamel in the deeply engraved and chased design. The top of the cusped bezel is slightly distorted where it would have once been tightly rubbed over the gem. It is, however, a really smart piece, one that would have been given and worn as a betrothal/wedding ring. The size would suggest the original owner to have been a lady. It is being sold as found, it will of course greatly benefit from a diamond or ruby replacement.

For further examples of this type see Oman (1974, pl.26, a, b and pl.27, b). One is in the V&A set with a pink sapphire 4397-1857 dated to c. 1550. Similar rings of this type have been recorded as LEIC-2722D2 and NMS-0D2960 both with table cut rubies. Compare: C. Oman, pl. 26D; A.B. Chadour, op.cit. p. 210, no. 685; J. Boardman, D, Scrisbrick, The Ralph Harari Collection of Finger rings, p. 73, no. 171 pl. 171.

OBJECT: Finger Ring

CULTURE: Tudor

DATE: c. 1550 - 1600 A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold & Enamel

RING SIZE:   5 3/4 (US)    L 1/4 (UK)

SIZE: 23mm x 19mm x 1.1mm (bezel 8mm x 8.8mm x 6.5mm)

WEIGHT: 2.5 grams

PROVENANCE:  Found in Harlow in Essex, ESS-4F664C