Tudor enameled 'BEHOLD THE ENDE' skull ring. Formed to centre with an irregular quartefoil bezel, featuring a horizontal white and black enameled skull encased in a circular black enameled background, surrounded by the inscription 'BEHOLD THE ENDE' and decorated by black enameled borders and cruciform motifs, flanked by intricately carved skulls on either side and black enameled flower motifs which lead down to a solid D-shape shank. Tested gold, approximately 6.89g in weight, English, circa 17th century AD, accompanied by Oxford Labs X-ray fluorescence analysis report stating the composition of the metal.
An example of a ring with similar design and inscription can be found in Diana Scarisbrick's 'Finger rings', Oxford, 2003, page 59. See also Victoria & Albert Museum acquisition number 920-1871 for a ring of comparable age and composition.
