Northern Europe, possibly England, circa 1000–1100
This very rare, large, and heavy medieval signet ring is finely modeled in high-purity silver (approximately 95%). The round bezel is raised above a massive, rounded shank and engraved with a slender cross featuring a central groove and trifurcated arms, the triple terminals symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The cross is framed by four ornate scrolling motifs.
The design closely echoes the cross motifs found on Northern European silver pennies of the 11th century, particularly the straight, slender crosses with triple terminals, though the surrounding ornamentation here is more elaborate than that typically seen on coinage.
The shoulders of the ring are decorated with stylized leaves, while the rim of the bezel is accented with a zigzag pattern.
Originally, the ring was partially gilded; traces of fire (mercury) gilding remain visible on the engraved bezel, a technique characteristic of medieval goldsmithing.
The substantial weight of the ring, its impressive size, and the fineness of the engraving suggest that it belonged to a person of high status. The majority of surviving medieval silver rings are considerably lighter and typically of much cruder workmanship, underscoring the exceptional quality of this example.
Diameter is 21 mm (13/16 in.)
Weight is 37.42 grams
Ring size 10 – 10.5 (21 mm) resizable
