Europe, probably Germany, Renaissance to Early Modern Period, ca. 17th century CE. A dazzling silver ring with a large octagonal bezel skillfully incised with a coat of arms. The octagonal signet is comprised of a central tondo with an agnus dei or lamb of god - a lamb holding a flag and cross - facing right. Decorative scrolling flourishes surround the tondo, while a spiked diadem sits at the top, indicating that this crest belonged to a "noble" family - a count, a duke, or similar. The letters "IER" are inscribed near the top of the design, likely representing the initials of its owner. Size (ring): 1.1" Diameter (2.8 cm); (signet): 0.7" L x 0.7" W (1.8 cm x 1.8 cm); silver quality: 85.4%; weight: 14.7 grams; US ring size: 8.75

A similar ring bearing a comparable though less detailed crest can be found at the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford University under accession number WA1897.CDEF.F541.

Provenance: private Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection; ex-private London, United Kingdom collection

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#166937

Some nicks and scratches to ring body. Otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable with impressive preservation of detail.