Sapphire ring with the Angelic Salutation. English or French, 13th century.

An important medieval sapphire ring engraved with the Angelic Salutation.

English or French, 13th century.

Ring size S 1/2 UK / 9.5 US.

The sapphire measures 0.7 x 0.6cm.

The ring is from a Private English Collection, before then a private collection in the south of France.

The projecting four-claw bezel of the ring is set with a polished cabochon sapphire, the shoulders carved with hands on each side supporting the stone and two clasp hands to the reverse of the band, a symbol of devotion prevalent in jewellery from the Roman period until today.

The sapphire has a subtly concaved polished dish to one side, made in order remove a blemish or inclusion in the gems surface. The purity of the hue of the gemstone was seen as essential in order to strengthen the power of the amuletic purpose of the ring.

The band is engraved with the remnants of a lombardic inscription, which can roughly be translated as the ‘Hail Mary prayer’ or ‘Angelic Salutation’. Although worn, the words ‘Ave Maria’ can be clearly read, the full inscription is most likely an abbreviated ‘Ave Maria Gracia Plena' (Hail Mary full of grace) which is a common prayer found on medieval rings, purse-mounts and other small, personal items. The inscription not only reminded the wearer of their faith but was thought to offer a real protection against earthly and spiritual dangers.

'Ave Maria Gracia Plena' (Hail Mary, full of grace), is the salutation used by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary when announcing that she would bear the baby Jesus. The Virgin Mary played an important role as intercessor between sinful humans and her son Jesus.

During the Middle Ages, gemstones were often associated with magical and protective properties that they were believed to possess. Gemstones could protect against evil or poisons as well as heightening the individuals’ characteristics and strengths. Sapphires were frequently worn by Bishops and other Clergy due to their ability to promote it’s bearer's chastity and piety, as well as representing heaven and eternal life. Sapphires were believed to be able to change colour if the wearer acted sinfully or lacked faith, it was because of this belief that jewels set with sapphires were worn as as symbols of honesty and devout faith.