Late Renaissance Lion Ring

Date: c. 17th - 18th CenturyWeight: 27.38 gramsSize: 9.5 (U.S.) / T (U.K.)  History of the Artifact This showy silver-gilt ring is dated to the late Renaissance. It’s a piece with much personality, not just due to its elegant seal featuring a “Lion en Passant” within a pelleted border, but because of the pronounced setting of the seal providing the ring its distinct shape. No corner of the ring is left undecorated. The outer layer of the ring is adorned with five radiating discs each with gilt face and starburst motif, while the shoulders of the ring, underneath the seal, are incised with elaborate ‘S-scroll’ motifs.  The “Lion en passant” (lion walking with one forepaw raised) was a popular heraldic motif in medieval and Renaissance jewelry, symbolizing bravery, strength, and nobility. Frequently seen on signet rings, pendants, and brooches, it also often represented noble lineage.  Similar rings can be found in the collection of the British Museum (Reference: AF.863). Authenticity A