Gold and Sapphire Ring from Oxford: 14th century

The gold ring with stirrup-shaped hoop contains an uncut sapphire. It was found south of the choir, on the site of the Oxford Blackfriars, the Dominican Priory begun in 1236 and now under modern buildings off Speedwell Street west of St Aldates.

Both the size of the ring and its findspot suggest that this simple, elegant, design belonged to a man’s ring.

Sapphire had a religious significance in Medieval times and was often selected for use by men of the Church.

© 1998 Oxfordshire Museum Service, Setúbal Museums and the Benaki Museum