Gold and enamel ring set with a faceted garnet

A gold and enamel ring set with a faceted garnet.

English, second quarter of the 17th century.

Ring size N UK / 6.75 US.

An exceedingly rare example of an enamelled gold and gem ring from the early 17th century, it compares closely with examples found in the famous Cheapside Hoard.

The hoard lay buried for almost 300 years, undisturbed below one of London's busiest streets. No one knew it was there until workmen started to demolish a timber-framed building in Cheapside near St Paul's Cathedral, in June 1912. The property had stood on the site since the 17th century, but the cellars were older and lined with brick. On 18 June 1912 workmen started to excavate the cellars with their picks, and while they were breaking up the floor, they noticed something glinting in the soil below. The hoard comprised of more than 400 pieces of Elizabethan and Jacobean jewellery, to include rings, brooches and chains, with bright coloured gemstones and enamelled gold settings. The hoard is now housed in the Museum of London and the British Museum.

The ring also bears similarities in its enamelled decoration to a ring set with a cameo of Elizabeth I in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Accession number: M.6-2016.