Gold, 3.08 grams; 23.56 mm; Internal 17.44 mm, [UK size O; US size 7 1/4; European size 14.98]. Early 16th Century A.D. A truly beautiful gold finger ring from the start of the renaissance period which was an amazing movement of artistic form beginning in circa 1520 A.D when ring were made show off the skills of the master goldsmith and forming a transition between the plainer medieval gemstone rings. It has an oblong box-shaped bezel set with a deep purple table cut amethyst. The underside of the bezel chased with white enamel with a voided cross surrounded by floral ‘swirls’, and the wearable sized circular hoop carved on the outside with an intricate pattern of vines and oak leaves. Ref: An almost identical example set with an emerald published the Victoria and Albert Catalogue of Rings 1930, Page 70, No. 288, illustrated on plate XIII, fig. 288; Ashmolean Museum, Fortnum 116 (published in Oman, 1974, Ii); London, British Museum (published in Oman 1974, 26D); gold ring with rock crystals (ex Harari Collection, ex Guilhou Collection, published in Boardman, 1977, no. 171); . Lustrous, Extremely Fine and Rare. From an old private collection, Found Germany.

Amethyst in Medieval times: Amethyst was widely used in ecclesiastical jewellery of the period as it was considered a symbol of piety. It was worn as a protection against poisons; and was used to ward off drunkenness, hence its Greek name meaning "not drunken". It is said to help with low self-esteem, which is often the root cause of addictive and compulsive behavior. In medieval times it was said to bring about a feeling of calm and contentment. Crystal healers say that this stone is used also to treat headaches, eye disorders, balance low-blood sugar levels and mental disorders. "It is a stone of peace and will often cut through layers of illusion so you can see things as they truly are"