A RARE MEDIAEVAL GOLD CHARM RING, the bezel set with a cabochon emerald and with engraved foliage around the band, inscribed on the interior in black letter script 'Tetra agramatan' with stars between, the back with circular aperture for a further gemstone (now missing, ring formerly enamelled), Finger size L 1/2, and a gold band of oval section, the channelled sides showing traces of white enamel at the centre and with small loop for attachment, the interior inscribed in black letter script 'Sans retourner ailles', both 15th Century (2)

Details

A RARE MEDIAEVAL GOLD CHARM RING, the bezel set with a cabochon emerald and with engraved foliage around the band, inscribed on the interior in black letter script 'Tetra agramatan' with stars between, the back with circular aperture for a further gemstone (now missing, ring formerly enamelled), Finger size L 1/2, and a gold band of oval section, the channelled sides showing traces of white enamel at the centre and with small loop for attachment, the interior inscribed in black letter script 'Sans retourner ailles', both 15th Century (2)

Provenance

INDENTFound in the area of Thorncombe, West Dorset in 1991

Lot Essay

INDENT'Tetragrammaton' one of the ten names of God or the unwritable name of Jehovah. See Dalton, op.cit. nos.718,719 and 870 and J. Evans, Magical Jewels of the Middle Ages and Renaissance (1922) pp.127,128 where the author refers to this type of inscription as a 'wonder working phrase'. The prophylactic quality of the gemstone set in the open back of the ring would have been at its strongest through direct contact with the wearer
INDENTIt has been suggested that the gold band inscribed 'To return without wings' might have been an elaborate leg ring for a bird

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