A rare 15th century gold iconographic ring found by a metal detector in Stanford, Kent is estimated to sell for £4,000 – 6,000 in the Fine Jewellery Sale taking place at Bonhams on the 8th December 2011.
The ring was a dream find, having remained hidden for 600 years below layers of soil in the Kent countryside, untouched by the perils of centuries of farming.
The surface is composed of three slightly concave rectangular panels, depicting the Holy Trinity and the Annunciation. The design continues to the twisted shoulders engraved with rays of light, flowers and the inscription ‘En Bon Foie’ (In Good Faith).
Iconographic rings incorporating devotional images with inscriptions were popular throughout the 15th century and found only in England and Scotland. Such rings, representing scenes such as the Trinity, Christ, the Virgin and favourite saints with their attributes, are believed to have been given as gifts at weddings and at New Year.
www.bonhams.com/eur/jewellery
