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.