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Rings from the Earliest Period: Moorish
In the Londesborough Collection is a triplicate of Moorish rings, which will enable us to understand their peculiarities. One has a large circular face composed of a cluster of small bosses, set with five circular turquoises and Moorish. four rubies; the centre being a turquoise, with a ruby and turquoise alternating round it. This ring is of silver. G2 Another, of the same material, is set with an octangular bloodstone, with a circular turquoise on each side. There is, also, a silver signet ring, bearing the name of its original owner, engraved on a cornelian.
Bavarian.
In the South Kensington Museum is a massive and heavy brass ring, with octagonal bezel armed with five projecting points, used as a weapon by peasants in Upper Bavaria from about the year 1700 to the present time.
The Indians prefer rings with large floriated faces, spreading over three fingers like a shield. When made for the wealthy in massive gold, the flower leaves are of cut jewels, but the humbler classes, who equally love display, are content with them in cast silver. Such a ring is in the British Museum, where there are also two specimens of rings beside it such as are worn by the humbler classes.
A curious gold ring, bearing the impress a 'merchant's mark,' was exhibited by Mr. Sully at a meeting of the Archæological Institute of November 1851. It was found at St. Anne's Well, near Nottingham, and the date is about the time of Henry VI. From a representation in the 'Journal' the impress appears to be composed of the orb of sovereignty, surmounted by a cross, having two transverse bars, like a patriarchal cross. The extremities of the lower limbs terminate with the Arabic numerals, 2-0, the cipher being transversed by a diagonal stroke, as frequently written in early times. On one side of the hoop is seen the Virgin and Child, on the other the Crucifix; these were originally enamelled. Within is inscribed-Mon Cur abez. Weight 7 dwts. 21 grs.