Medieval Silver Ring - with an "Orb" Bezel (No reserve price)

05
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Current bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 200 - € 250
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itBidder 1198 €1

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Medieval silver ring with a hollow pierced spherical orb bezel, dating to ca. 12th–15th century AD, weighing 5.41 g, EU size 64–65, acquired from a private European collection.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Medieval–Possibly Crusader Period Silver Ring with Pierced Spherical Bezel – c. 12th–15th Century AD

Material: Silver
Technique: Cast and pierced (openwork / filigree style)
Possible origin: Eastern Mediterranean / Levant / Europe

Weight: 5.41 g
Inner diameter: 20.5 mm
Ring size: approx. EU 64 - 65 / US 11

Description:
An intriguing silver ring with a hollow, pierced spherical bezel, decorated with a carefully arranged pattern of circular and teardrop-shaped apertures and small applied bosses. The design gives the piece a sculptural, almost architectural form, reminiscent of medieval, Crusader-period, or Middle Eastern metalwork traditions.

The bezel is composed as a rounded “orb” or dome, with openwork panels that may have originally held organic material, resin, scented matter, or simply served a symbolic and decorative function.

This type of ring may have served an amuletic, talismanic, or status-related function, rather than being purely decorative. The openwork also allowed light and shadow to interact with the form, creating a dynamic visual effect when worn.

The patina and light surface wear are fully consistent with age.

Condition
Very good and stable condition:
- Complete, no breaks
- No modern solder
- Beautiful natural patina
- Minor wear consistent with age
- Strong, wearable form

Please review all images as part of the condition report.

Provenance:
Acquired from a private European collection, formed in the 1980s. A provenance declaration 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–Possibly Crusader Period Silver Ring with Pierced Spherical Bezel – c. 12th–15th Century AD

Material: Silver
Technique: Cast and pierced (openwork / filigree style)
Possible origin: Eastern Mediterranean / Levant / Europe

Weight: 5.41 g
Inner diameter: 20.5 mm
Ring size: approx. EU 64 - 65 / US 11

Description:
An intriguing silver ring with a hollow, pierced spherical bezel, decorated with a carefully arranged pattern of circular and teardrop-shaped apertures and small applied bosses. The design gives the piece a sculptural, almost architectural form, reminiscent of medieval, Crusader-period, or Middle Eastern metalwork traditions.

The bezel is composed as a rounded “orb” or dome, with openwork panels that may have originally held organic material, resin, scented matter, or simply served a symbolic and decorative function.

This type of ring may have served an amuletic, talismanic, or status-related function, rather than being purely decorative. The openwork also allowed light and shadow to interact with the form, creating a dynamic visual effect when worn.

The patina and light surface wear are fully consistent with age.

Condition
Very good and stable condition:
- Complete, no breaks
- No modern solder
- Beautiful natural patina
- Minor wear consistent with age
- Strong, wearable form

Please review all images as part of the condition report.

Provenance:
Acquired from a private European collection, formed in the 1980s. A provenance declaration 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
Century/ Timeframe
12th–15th Century AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Total weight
5.41 g
Year acquired
2024
Condition
Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear
Country acquired from
Denmark
Country of Origin
Unknown
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Title additional information
with an "Orb" Bezel
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
DenmarkVerified
463
Objects sold
98.97%
Privatetop

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.

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