The Ancient Medieval Garnet Stirrup Ring

This medieval ring features a pinkish-purple garnet cabochon in a rubover conical bezel setting sits high in what is known as a stirrup ring. Bishop's Stirrup rings were a distinct style of ring during the Medieval period. The shape of the ring rises to an apex or dome, and so furnishes its name from the shape of a horse's stirrup.

It is also thought that the shape echoes the Gothic vaulting ceiling arches within cathedrals, so it is fitting that these rings were often worn by bishops, most often worn on the middle finger of the right hand, sometimes over a glove.

Circa 13th to 14th Century, this ring tests as a high carat. At over half a millennium old, this ring is in good wearable condition, but has some wear and marks commensurate with age.

Provenance: Acquired from an established BNTA and AIAA registered ancient art dealer. Formerly from the private collection of an Essex gentleman; acquired through inheritance in the 1990s.

Please find the Expert Report, (see the end image in the gallery) for more detailed information.

Ring Weight: 2.37g

Band Width: Approximately 1.53mm x 2.27mm

Size Q UK/AU, 8 US/CA, 57¾ FR/RU, 18 DE

Important Notes: This item is excluded from our Free Resizing service. As an ancient artefact we will not alter it.