Medieval sapphire ring. Centrally set with a single pentagonal cabochon natural unenhanced sapphire in a closed back rubover setting, with an approximate weight of 0.50 carats, to an irregular pentagon pie-dish bezel with polished edges, flanked by intricately carved shoulders featuring a chevron pattern separated with incised dot motifs and leading through to a solid shank. Tested yellow gold, 2.1 grams in weight, circa 14th century.
This ring was discovered by a metal detectorist near Cressing Temple in Essex on August 4th 2019. It has been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database Ref: ESS-D93749 and disclaimed as Treasure.
Cressing Temple in Essex was built by the Knights Templars in the 13th century. By 1313 the estate included a chapel, hall, brewhouse, dairy and smithy.
Sapphires were a favourite choice in the Middle Ages, though so rare that they were reserved solely for royalty, upper nobility and certain high ranking clergymen. Sapphires were thought to be imbued with magical powers such as protecting the wearer from the effects of poison, preserving chastity, keeping the peace and curing snake bites.
There are several examples of this type of ring that have been reported under the Treasure Act 1996 and recorded on the database. See, ESS-F5F15 and HAMP-2A4252.
