Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu to include the personal archive of Louis Osman, goldsmith and architect

A medieval gem set stirrup ring, 14th-15th century, the yellow gold stirrup ring set with a rectangular cabochon green gemstone, ring size Q½. £800-1200

This ring was discovered in East Lindsey, Lincolnshire in April 2017. It has been recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme, ref: LIN-C4E690 and disclaimed as treasure, ref:2017-T423. A copy of the PAS report accompanies the lot.

Generally dating from the 12th-14th centuries the term ‘stirrup’ ring is actually a Victorian misnomer. The shape of the ring is actually related to contemporary developments in architecture, specifically the development of the ogee arches of medieval gothic cathedrals.

See: Hindman, S., Towards an Art History of Medieval Rings: A Private Collection, Paul Holberton Publishing for Les Enluminures, 2014.