Finger Ring Collection

Decade ring

Mid 19th century

Gold decade ring, the oval bezel with a crucifix from which there is radiating light, the hoop with eleven projecting studs

19.56 mm internal ring diameter; 0.97 g weight

Presented by Dr C.D.E. Fortnum in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, 1897; WA1897.CDEF.F827

The decade ring was used in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in much the same way as the rosary. An ave was repeated at each of the studs and a paternoster at the bezel. The ten studs represent the nails used to fix Christ to the Cross. This ring was Fortnum's penultimate purchase. It is probably an industrial reproduction.

Taylor & Scarisbrick, Finger Rings from Ancient Egypt to the present day, 1978, no. 853