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Rings from the Earliest Period: Collection

Of the later period of ring-decoration there are some splendid specimens in various collections. Mr. Fairholt, in his 'Facts about Finger-rings,' has given illustrations and descriptions of two rings of this character in the Londesborough Collection. One is decorated with floral ornament, engraved and filled with green and red enamel colours. The effect on the gold is extremely pleasing, having a certain quaint sumptuousness peculiarly its own. The other specimen, a signet-ring, bears a 'merchants' mark' (see notice of 'Merchants' marks' at the end of this chapter) upon its face.

Enamelled floral ring. む 'Merchant's' ring.

In the same collection is a ring, doubtless a gage d'amour, the hoop of which is richly decorated with quaint floriated ornaments, cut upon its surface, and filled in with the black composition termed niello, once extensively used by goldsmiths in enriching their works. This beautiful ring is inscribed within the hoop, 'Mon Cor Plesor,'-' my heart's delight.' There are two very beautiful examples of sixteenth century rings, one in the Londesborough Collection, which has a ruby in a very tall setting, enriched by enamel. The sides of the hoop are highly decorated with flowers and scroll ornament, also richly enamelled. The other ring is in the Waterton Collection, gold, enamelled, set with a large turquoise in the centre, and surrounded by six raised garnets. This ring is said to have subsequently belonged to Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, whose cipher is upon it. Ring: Sixteenth Century.

Ring of Frederick the Great.