Silver gilt iconographic ring with female saints, England 15th century

A silver gilt iconographic ring with female saints.

English, 15th century.

Ring size O UK / 7 US.

Weighs 4 grams.

Rings engraved with religious figures or scenes are often known as ‘iconographic rings’. They were decorated with the popular saints of the middle ages: Catherine, Barbara, Christopher, George and Margaret as well as figures of the Virgin Mary, Christ or the Three Kings. These rings were worn as a sign of faith but were also believed to offer protection from both spiritual and earthly dangers. Pregnant women prayed to St Margaret for a safe delivery whilst travellers appealed to St Christopher. Dying without receiving the sacraments or preparing your soul was a great fear and it was believed that protection could be gained by looking at images of saints such as Christopher and Barbara.