{"title":"Early Rings","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"greco-roman-silenus-socrates-intaglio-ring","title":"Greco-Roman Silenus\/Socrates intaglio ring","description":"\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eGraeco-Roman gold ring with an intaglio depicting Socrates. 1st-2nd century AD\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eSocrates is depicted with his bowl of hemlock, which seems to be very unusual - so far I am unable to find another like it in collections\/publications. It is a very nice gem, with \"life\" in the stone, which I hope you can see in the photographs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe shank is slightly damaged at the bottom but I have decided not to do anything about this so far, so as to not spoil the ring’s integrity, and because it does not prevent the ring being worn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe ring fits my little finger perfectly, UK size N, US 6 1\/2, French size 54, and it weighs 8.6 grams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54656288653650,"sku":null,"price":18000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/Photoroom_20260910_154934-Photoroom.jpg?v=1789052309"},{"product_id":"hessonite-garnet-cameo-ring","title":"Hessonite garnet cameo ring","description":"\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eHessonite garnet cameo swivel ring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eProbably 15\/16th century but possibly 1st-3rd century AD Roman\u003cbr\u003eMounted in silver-gilt 18th century swivel ring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e16.5mm x 12.5mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54925022298450,"sku":null,"price":5750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/336a.jpg?v=1790948982"},{"product_id":"beaufort-armorial-ring","title":"Beaufort armorial ring","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA fine and rare example of a gold and garnet armorial seal ring with the arms of of Henry Somerset, the 1st Duke of Somerset (born 1629, died 21st January 1700) or his grandson, Henry Somerset, the 2nd Duke of Somerset (born 2nd April 1684 died 24th May 1714).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe period of ownership for Henry, the 1st Duke would have been from 2nd December 1682, the date when he was created as the Duke of Beaufort, within the Peerage of England, until his death in January 1700, whilst for his grandson, Henry, the 2nd Duke again it would have had a short currency from October 1712 when he was appointed to be a Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG) until his death in May 1714.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe ring mounting appears to be early 18th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e11.5mm x 18mm\u003cbr\u003e7.2 grams\u003cbr\u003eFinger size approximately UK - M, US - 6\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54925107822930,"sku":null,"price":22500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/356.jpg?v=1790949749"},{"product_id":"18th-century-sapphire-ring","title":"18th century sapphire ring","description":"\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e18th century gold mounted sapphire single stone ring, English c.1780\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe single collet set rectangular sapphire, the underside fluting leading to an aperture. Fleur-de-lys to each shoulder, leading to a ribbed shank with detailing to the bottom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe mounting really is of the highest quality, beautifully made and in fabulous condition, a very rare example of a fine 18th century ring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eFinger size UK - J, US - 4 5\/8\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54933733015890,"sku":null,"price":12000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/369a.jpg?v=1791036289"},{"product_id":"roman-dolphin-intaglio-ring","title":"Roman dolphin intaglio ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eHigh carat gold Roman ring with a nicolo intaglio of a dolphin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is thought that, in the ancient Roman world, images of dolphins were worn to bring luck for safe sea travel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e3rd century AD\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eFinger size, UK - H, US - 4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e8 grams gross weight\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54934017638738,"sku":null,"price":19000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/roman3.jpg?v=1791036924"},{"product_id":"roman-early-christian-ring","title":"Roman early Christian ring","description":"\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eAn extremely rare and fine Romano-British early Christian gold ring, dating from the 4th century AD. The raised square bezel intaglio is engraved with a Chi-Rho and a bird within a fruiting branch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe rise and fall of Christianity during the Roman occupation is a fascinating subject. Prior to the invasion, the Celts were pagan, as were the Romans themselves, which led to the worship of both indigenous and imported deities in Roman Britain. Christianity arrived around 200AD, but only as a minor religion, and Christians were widely persecuted throughout the Roman empire. It is thought that Aaron and Julius, two Romano-British Christian martyrs mentioned in early medieval sources, were killed at this time. Nonetheless, Emperor Gallienus decriminalised Christianity in 260AD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe following century, in the year 313, the Western Roman Emperor Constantine and Eastern Roman Emperor Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, putting an end to the persecution of Christians in the Empire. In 314, three British Bishops were known to have been in attendance at the Council of Arles, showing that the British Isles had a distinct and organised Christian community and episcopal hierarchy. By 391AD, Christianity had become the official religion of the Roman Empire, with pagan religions banned by Emperor Theodosius.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThen, in 410AD, the Romans withdrew, and everything changed. The void left by the departing Roman administration led to a collapse of conventional society, known as the Dark Ages. The British Isles were left open to Saxon invasion, which signalled the decline of Christianity in the region and the return of the popularity of Paganism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eIt wasn’t until Pope Gregory’s Augustinian mission of 596AD, to convert Britain's Anglo-Saxons, that Christianity was substantially restored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThis ring, bearing as it does the solely Christian symbol of the Chi-Rho, therefore comes from a relatively short period during which a member of Romano-British society could openly declare their Christian beliefs. As such it is extremely rare. I am aware of only one other example of a ring of this kind - a very similar ring, though with a cut-cornered rather than a square bezel - which can be found in the British Museum #1983,1003.1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/H_1983-1003-1_1\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/H_1983-1003-1_1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eProvenance, by repute from the collection of Prince Auguste Jules Armand Marie de Polignac.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eFinger size (leading edge) UK - T, US - 9 5\/8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWeight - 12g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54934031860050,"sku":null,"price":27000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/BR1.jpg?v=1791038061"},{"product_id":"17th-century-signet-ring","title":"17th century signet ring","description":"\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eLate 16th century gold signet ring, c.1580\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eSeal engraved with a shield, the arms “azure a bend between two swans”, believed to be the Jenison family of Nottinghamshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe Jenison family were well known in Nottinghamshire, and traded as apothecaries. Matthew Jenison (1654-1734), was a politician and high sheriff of Nottingham between 1683-1684, though the ring here is likely to have belonged to an antecedent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWeight 5.9g\u003cbr\u003eFinger size, UK - K 1\/2, US - 5 3\/8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiscovered in Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire and recorded with the PAS as LIN-1B6093, Treasure number 2020 T500 https:\/\/finds.org.uk\/database\/artefacts\/record\/id\/1007643\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54934110339410,"sku":null,"price":22000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/409.webp?v=1791039513"},{"product_id":"fede-ring","title":"Fede ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eEarly 18th century enamelled gold and diamond fede ring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrowned diamond and rose-cut diamond heart with applied enamelled hands either side (fixed, not opening)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnglish c.1720 with later French control mark indicating 18ct gold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinger size M 1\/2 (US - 6 1\/4)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54947911303506,"sku":null,"price":14500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/435.jpg?v=1791205052"},{"product_id":"the-eden-signet-ring","title":"The 'Eden' signet ring","description":"\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eA large and impressive 17th century gold signet ring \u003cbr\u003eEngraved with the full arms of the Eden family of West Aukland, County Durham, as they stood from the lifetime of John Eden of West Auckland (aged 50 in 1666), son of Robert Eden of Windlestone and Anne Bee.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e17th century signet rings with a full coat-of-arms are particularly rare.\u003cbr\u003eThe head 24 x 20mm\u003cbr\u003e18.8 grams\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54949428330834,"sku":null,"price":26000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/579.jpg?v=1791209876"},{"product_id":"the-ashfield-ring","title":"The Ashfield ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Ashfield ring\u003cbr\u003eAn exceptionally rare example of an early 17th century signet ring made for a gentlewoman.\u003cbr\u003eCirca 1615-20\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe oval bezel seal engraved with a coat of arms within a lozenge, indicating it was made for a woman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtensive research indicates the ring is likely to have belonged to Dorothy Ashfield, born in 1594, the eldest daughter of Thomas Ashfield of Hopton in Suffolk, and his wife Ellen Holditch of Ranworth in Norfolk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA late renaissance ring specifically made with a woman's arms is exceedingly rare, to date I have not been able to find another example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFound at Roydon in Suffolk by metal detecting on a stubble field on 4 October 2020. It has been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database, ref.: NMS-71554C and disclaimed as Treasure ref. 2020-T841.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe head 17x14mm, 8 grams\u003cbr\u003eFinger size approximately UK - H, US - 4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54961137156434,"sku":null,"price":28500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/653.jpg?v=1791296837"},{"product_id":"giardinetti-ring-1","title":"Giardinetti ring","description":"\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e18th century diamond, ruby and emerald giardinetti ring.\u003cbr\u003eC.1760\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eMounted in silver with later gold back plate and shank (probably early 1900’s)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe head 22mm x 18mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFinger size currently L but easily altered\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54961178149202,"sku":null,"price":12500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/677a.jpg?v=1791297428"},{"product_id":"mourning-ring-for-edward-iv-1442-1483","title":"Mourning ring for Edward IV (1442-1483)","description":"\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMourning ring for Edward IV (1442-1483)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAn oval panel of light blue enamel \u003cbr\u003eapplied entwined ER diamond set initials below a knot of hair\u003cbr\u003ediamond set gold coronet above, glazed, and with a line surround of diamonds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eEngraved on the reverse:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e‘Hair of Edward 4th, who died [Ap]ril 9th 1483, discovered at Win[dsor], March 1789’\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTapering wide gold flat band shank (restored)\u003cbr\u003eThe head 37mm long, 11 grams gross\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRings containing locks of Edward IV’s hair are known to have been produced and are in collections. One is in the Hashimoto collection (National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo. Object number OA.2012-0298), one in the process of being gifted to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and another in the Museum of London (Object number 35.117) These are of very simple enamelled gold design. A loose lock of hair is also held by the Wellcome Collection, London.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eGiven the limited supply of hair, it has been assumed that these rings were gifted to dignitaries. Sadly, no details of to whom have been found to date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoListParagraphCxSpLast\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe ring shown here is the only known example set with diamonds.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54961200267602,"sku":null,"price":44000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/712a.jpg?v=1791297565"},{"product_id":"catherine-the-great-presentation-ring","title":"Catherine the Great presentation ring","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eLate 18th century diamond and blue enamel ring - a presentation gift from Catherine the Great (2nd May 1729 to\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e17th November 1796)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCirca 1790\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe head measures 25mm x 20mm\u003cbr\u003eFinger size UK - N, US - 6 ½\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54961230414162,"sku":null,"price":18000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/760a.jpg?v=1791298257"},{"product_id":"13th-century-seal-ring","title":"13th century seal ring","description":"\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eLate 13th century gold seal ring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCircular flat bezel, an incuse shield in the centre, having a diagonal band with three boar’s heads\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eLombardic lettering around;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e: S (sigillum): + : BARNAT : MORO :\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCirca 1300\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e8.5grams gross weight\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSize R (US 8 5\/8)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e5.5mm diameter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eDiscovered in Fowey, Cornwall, in August 2021* this is a rare and very well preserved example of a gold ring from the Middle Ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe personal seal of Barnat Moro, which could be modernised to Bernard Moore\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54961271996754,"sku":null,"price":24000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/729a.jpg?v=1791298587"},{"product_id":"silenus","title":"Silenus","description":"\u003cp\u003eAntique sard intaglio of Silenus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoster father to Dionysus (Bacchus), Silenus was seen as the latter's tutor and companion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very fine gem, illustrated in Paoletti, Tomo VIII, casetto 6, #243. Described as 'modern', meaning the gem probably dates from the 17th or 18th centuries (?)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn worn gold mount circa 1820\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54961470701906,"sku":null,"price":18000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1061\/7690\/5554\/files\/782a.jpg?v=1791298836"}],"url":"https:\/\/michelsonjewels.com\/collections\/early-rings.oembed","provider":"Michelson \u0026 Co Historic Jewels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}