中世纪，十字军时代 银 戒指 (没有保留价)

Ancient Medieval Silver Seal Ring (Crusader Period, ca. 12th–13th Century AD)

Material: Silver
Weight: 6.26 g
Inner diameter: 18.5 mm
Approx. Ring size:
• EU: 58–59
• US: 8.5 – 9

Description
A beautifully preserved medieval Crusader silver seal ring featuring a flat circular bezel and decorated shoulders engraved with intersecting linear motifs. The design shows clear influence from Near Eastern geometric ornament adopted by Frankish settlers in the Levant.

The bezel has been naturally worn smooth through centuries of use, indicating prolonged functional sealing rather than decorative wear. The ring retains its original untouched patina with attractive grey toning and darker deposits within recesses.

Attribution & Identification
This is a medieval signet / seal ring, most consistent with the Crusader Levant (Frankish East – Kingdom of Jerusalem / Antioch region), 12th–13th century AD.

Key diagnostic features:
Flat circular bezel intended for wax sealing
Absence of gemstone (typical for practical seal rings used by knights, clerics, and administrators)
Incised geometric shoulder decoration — a known Crusader decorative vocabulary blending Western Romanesque with Near-Eastern ornament

Thick practical hoop, made for daily wear rather than ceremonial jewelry

Silver construction (bronze more common locally; silver associated with status / authority)

The bezel is worn smooth from repeated sealing — a strong authenticity indicator. These rings were repeatedly pressed into wax on documents, pouches, and containers, eventually erasing the original engraving.

Such rings served as personal identity devices, legally equivalent to a signature in medieval law.

Condition
Very Fine condition for type.
Original uncleaned patina
Wear consistent with authentic seal usage
No repairs
Structurally solid and wearable
Honest medieval surface preservation

Historical Context
During the Crusader states (1099–1291 AD), personal seals were essential administrative tools. Knights, merchants, clerics and officials used rings like this to:
Seal letters and contracts
Authenticate property ownership
Secure goods and storage chests
Mark authority and identity

The heavy wear on the bezel suggests prolonged official use — making this not merely jewelry, but a true working artifact of medieval governance.

Provenance:
Acquired from a private European collection, established in the late 1980s. A provenance document and declaration of legal origin can be provided in PDF format upon request.

This stunning example of Crusader-era jewelry is a tangible connection to the medieval past, making it an ideal addition for collectors or enthusiasts of historical artifacts. A wearable piece of history with profound cultural significance.