Northern Italy, circa 1300 – 1400
This exceptionally rare and heavy silver ring features an unusual form, with an octagonal bezel raised high above a massive shank terminating in five rear lobes. The bezel is inlaid with niello depicting a large Florentine fleur de lis – a motif widely favored on rings of the period and closely related in style to those seen on medieval Florentine coinage. The shoulders are decorated with nielloed images of two stylized birds with open beaks.
Niello, a technique used since Roman times, reached particular popularity in late medieval and Renaissance Italy, where craftsmen were renowned for their mastery of the art. Beyond jewelry, niello was also used to embellish arms and armor.
Condition:
The ring survives in original condition with most of the niello beautifully preserved.
Width of the bezel is 21 mm (13/16 in.)
Weight is 33.73 grams
Approximate ring size 11 (21 mm) resizable
