Rings are among the most widespread jewels of Medieval adornment. Some are simple bands, others have a bezel, sometimes being entirely in metal but often decorated with a precious or semi-precious stone. This very fine gold ring is enhanced by a turquoise set in a smooth circlet mount, characteristic...
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Rings are among the most widespread jewels of Medieval adornment. Some are simple bands, others have a bezel, sometimes being entirely in metal but often decorated with a precious or semi-precious stone. This very fine gold ring is enhanced by a turquoise set in a smooth circlet mount, characteristic of the work of thirteenth century goldsmiths. It is part of the treasure of Colmar, a collection of coins and pieces of silver and gold work discovered in the former Jewish quarter of the town in 1863. This treasure was very probably buried at the time of the persecution of the Jews during the Black Death which devastated Europe from 1347 to 1352. Apart from the Jewish wedding ring, the only ritual object in the Colmar Treasure, all the other objects, including this ring, are secular pieces, similar to those used by Christians.
Second half of the XIIIth - early XIVth century
Original in gold and turquoise
H. 2.2 cm; D. ring 1.9 cm
Museum of Cluny - National Museum of the Middle Ages, Cl. 20661
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