Object Description
Medieval sapphire ring. An impressive ring, set with a cabochon natural unenhanced sapphire in a closed back rubover setting, to a drop shape collet, the base inscribed ‘MARIA + ADIVVA’ translated from the Latin as ‘Mary help’, flanked by intricately carved shoulders in the form of a matching pair of mythological beasts, the gaping mouths grasping the bezel, the wings, claws and hind legs creating the shank. Tested yellow gold, approximately 9.9g in weight, circa 14th century, accompanied by an Oxford Labs X-ray fluorescence report stating the composition of the metal and an Art Loss Register certificate.