Medieval Silver-Billon Ring - with Large Red Glass (No reserve price)
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Current bid
€ 100
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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 Bidder 3067 | €100 | |
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 Bidder 0374 | €95 | |
| Bidder 3067 | €90 | |
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Medieval Crusader silver-billon ring with a large red glass bezel, dating to the 13th–15th century AD, weighing 4.35 g with an inner diameter of 16.9 mm, in very good condition and acquired in 2024 from a Danish private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Medieval Crusader Silver Billon Ring with Large Red Glass Bezel - 13th-15th Century AD
Object Type: Finger Ring
Material: Silver billon (high-grade silver alloy) with deep red glass inset
Culture / Period: Medieval or Eastern Mediterranean Levant 13th-15th Century AD
Weight: 4.35 g
Inner Diameter: 16.9 mm
Condition: Very good, with attractive period patination and stable ancient glass
Description
A striking medieval silver-billon ring featuring a large domed red glass bezel, securely held within a scalloped “petal-like” cup setting that rises elegantly from the shoulders of the band. The ring displays the characteristic elongated tapered shoulders and vertically cut decorative fluting typical of Medieval-period metalwork produced in the Levant during the 13th-15th Century AD
The bezel is formed from ancient red-colored glass, lightly weathered but still vibrant, glowing warmly under light. The hammered and hand-cut prongs of the setting show excellent preservation.
Historical Notes & Attribution
This ring fits well within the known styles of Crusader-era Levantine jewelry, where European craftsmanship merged with local Near-Eastern traditions. During this period:
Symbolism of Red Glass
Red glass in the medieval period was:
Associated with protection, victory, and divine favor.
Believed to act as a talismanic stone, imitating more precious materials such as garnet or carnelian.
Linked to martyrdom and Christ’s blood, making it popular among Crusaders and pilgrims.
Often substituted for gemstones due to the high cost and rarity of real garnet in the Levant.
The deep red color of this bezel is highly typical of such symbolic glass inserts.
Measurements
Weight: 4.35 g
Inner Diameter: 16.9 mm
Bezel: Domed circular red glass
Setting: Vertical cut, scalloped prong cup
Band: Smooth, tapering toward the base
Provenance
Acquired from an old European collection, established in the late 1980s. exact findspot unknown but stylistically consistent with Levantine Crusader-period craftsmanship. A provenance document can be provided in PDF format upon request.
Seller's Story
As a second-generation history enthusiast and antique art collector, I have a deep passion for historical artifacts—from prehistoric civilizations to the Medieval era. I love connecting with fellow history lovers and sharing unique, carefully selected pieces. My goal is to find new homes for remarkable items while continuing to expand my own collection. Feel free to explore my selection—I hope you find something special!
Medieval Crusader Silver Billon Ring with Large Red Glass Bezel - 13th-15th Century AD
Object Type: Finger Ring
Material: Silver billon (high-grade silver alloy) with deep red glass inset
Culture / Period: Medieval or Eastern Mediterranean Levant 13th-15th Century AD
Weight: 4.35 g
Inner Diameter: 16.9 mm
Condition: Very good, with attractive period patination and stable ancient glass
Description
A striking medieval silver-billon ring featuring a large domed red glass bezel, securely held within a scalloped “petal-like” cup setting that rises elegantly from the shoulders of the band. The ring displays the characteristic elongated tapered shoulders and vertically cut decorative fluting typical of Medieval-period metalwork produced in the Levant during the 13th-15th Century AD
The bezel is formed from ancient red-colored glass, lightly weathered but still vibrant, glowing warmly under light. The hammered and hand-cut prongs of the setting show excellent preservation.
Historical Notes & Attribution
This ring fits well within the known styles of Crusader-era Levantine jewelry, where European craftsmanship merged with local Near-Eastern traditions. During this period:
Symbolism of Red Glass
Red glass in the medieval period was:
Associated with protection, victory, and divine favor.
Believed to act as a talismanic stone, imitating more precious materials such as garnet or carnelian.
Linked to martyrdom and Christ’s blood, making it popular among Crusaders and pilgrims.
Often substituted for gemstones due to the high cost and rarity of real garnet in the Levant.
The deep red color of this bezel is highly typical of such symbolic glass inserts.
Measurements
Weight: 4.35 g
Inner Diameter: 16.9 mm
Bezel: Domed circular red glass
Setting: Vertical cut, scalloped prong cup
Band: Smooth, tapering toward the base
Provenance
Acquired from an old European collection, established in the late 1980s. exact findspot unknown but stylistically consistent with Levantine Crusader-period craftsmanship. A provenance document can be provided in PDF format upon request.
Seller's Story
As a second-generation history enthusiast and antique art collector, I have a deep passion for historical artifacts—from prehistoric civilizations to the Medieval era. I love connecting with fellow history lovers and sharing unique, carefully selected pieces. My goal is to find new homes for remarkable items while continuing to expand my own collection. Feel free to explore my selection—I hope you find something special!
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Medieval
Metal
Silver-Billon
Century/ Timeframe
13th-15th Century AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Total weight
4.35 g
Year acquired
2024
Condition
Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear
Country acquired from
Denmark
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Title additional information
with Large Red Glass
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Europe
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
