Medieval Engagement Rings

This Ilias Lalaounis ring exemplifies the designer's mastery in blending ancient motifs with luxurious materials. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the ring showcases a Greek-inspired desi...

An enchanting Medieval period gold ring set with a sapphire, circa 1250. The high carat gold hoop extends outwards at the bezel into a distinctive medieval finger-ring shape, named by Victorian collectors as a ‘stirrup ring’ (due to the shape resembling a horse stirrup). Further research and study into this category of ring has concluded the ‘stirrup’ shape is likely a representation of Gothic arches, as found in the ornate windows of Cathedrals of the period. These rings were in fashion from the twelfth century well into the fourteenth century. The gold ring is set with a polished dark blue sapphire cabochon. In Medieval times, gemstone rings were considered to have amuletic and talismanic power. Sapphires were particularly prized by the ecclesiastical community. Sapphires were also believed to promote chastity, peace and to incline God to hear prayers favourably. For these reasons, they were often found in English and French tombs of high-ranking clergymen, such as Bishop’s, Abbots and Priors. Even outside of the ecclesiastical community, sapphires were a favourite choice in the Middle Ages, though so rare that they were reserved solely for nobility and upper aristocracy. Books known as ‘lapidaries’ listed the powers attributed to each stone. The Liber Lapidum of Marbodus of Rennes (1067-81) was one of the most widely read and claimed that sapphires could protect the body, cool fevers and headaches, calm the eyes and cure stammers. The sapphires found in Medieval jewellery...

Medieval Duchess of Lancaster sapphire posy ring. Set centrally with a cabochon sapphire in a closed back cutdown setting with an approximate weig...

S.Georgios design ring handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The ring is microscopically decorated all around with gold beads and wires - granulation Byzantine work made all by h...