Finger Ring Collection
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Italy
16th century
Silver ring, the oval bezel with Lombardic letters A and S beneath a cross, the shoulders of the hoop with a female bust in niello
21.18 mm internal ring diameter; 12.77 g weight
Bought in Rome, 1881; Alessandro Castellani
Presented by Dr C.D.E. Fortnum in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, 1897; WA1897.CDEF.F773
Taylor & Scarisbrick, Finger Rings from Ancient Egypt to the present day, 1978, no. 325
Signet ring: The signet ring has been used to seal business and legal documents since Egyptian times. A variety of devices were employed to distinguish the owner of each seal. From the early 14th century, heraldic shields were in use in Italy, England and France for those entitled to them. In the 15th century a badge and motto was preferred. Merchants or craftsmen who did not bear a coat of arms would use a merchant