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'Iconographic' ring: Termed ‘iconographic’ by Victorian collectors, this group of rings is apparently unique to England. The rings are silver or gold (occasionally latten) and engraved on the bezel or shoulders with devotional images or saints. They came into use in the fourteenth century, lasting until the Reformation and, apparent from many inscriptions, a popular New Year gift. The generally repetitive nature of the group suggests they were more likely made for stock as opposed to individually commissioned. Each saint was believed to protect the wearer against various misadventures.

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England
Late 15th/early 16th century
Gold iconographic ring, the flat oval bezel engraved with St George and the dragon with the figure of the princess kneeling behind
17.53 mm internal ring diameter; 7.91 g weight
Bought in London
Presented by Dr C.D.E. Fortnum in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, 1897; WA1897.CDEF.F587
Scarisbrick and Henig, Finger Rings, 2003, pl. 12.3

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