Gold ring with blood from the wounds of Christ, England 15th/16th century

A gold ring engraved with blood from the wounds of Christ.

English, late 15th - early 16th century.

Ring size R UK / 8.5 US.

The ring is decorated with flowers, chevrons and droplets of blood from the wounds of Christ.

The droplets of blood can also represent the tears of the Virgin as it was the wounds of Christ that led to her sorrow. The tears which are an expression of tender feelings, along with the engraved flowers suggests that this ring could have been made as a betrothal ring as well as a piece of devotional jewellery.

References:
Medieval Jewellery in Europe, 1100-1500 by Marian Campbell, page 24, no.18.
Rings, Jewelry of Power Love and Loyalty by Diana Scarisbrick, page 71, no.95.
I Like my choice, Posy rings from the Griffin Collection by Diana Scarisbrick, page 52, no.6.