Iconographic Gold Ring Engraved with Saint Catherine.
England, 15th century.
Ring size: UK M½ / US 6.5 / EU 53.
Weight: 2.62 grams.
An English iconographic ring in high carat gold, the oval bezel engraved with a fine linear image of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, shown standing frontally beside the spiked wheel of her martyrdom. The figure is rendered in delicate outline, now softly worn from centuries of devotional handling. The shoulders are engraved with stylised floral motifs—likely rosettes or columbines—symbolising purity and divine intercession. The reverse of the band is adorned with subtle curved fluting, interspersed with rows of beaded decoration, lending both visual rhythm and textural refinement to the design.
Rings of this type were worn as intimate tokens of faith and as talismans offering spiritual protection. Saint Catherine, a virgin martyr celebrated for her wisdom and constancy, was among the most venerated saints in late medieval England, particularly by women and scholars. Her image on such rings served both as a devotional focus and as a safeguard in times of mortal danger.
Comparisons:
British Museum, inv. 1961,1202.266 (iconographic ring with Saint Catherine); Victoria and Albert Museum, inv. M.261-1975 (engraved with Saints Catherine and Barbara). Cf. Oman, C., English Rings 800–1914, London, 1974, pp. 78–80, figs. 77–81.
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