Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Objects of Vertu

A Medieval gold emerald stirrup ring, early 14th century, the hoop of D-shaped cross-section, the yellow gold with raised triangular-shaped bezel centred at the apex with the original oval cabochon-shaped emerald, the bezel with angled shoulders and recessed sides, the exterior to either side of the bezel with three raised grapes or mulberries and decorated with pellets and a stem, diameter 20mm, width 1.5mm. £1,600-£2,000

This ring was found by a metal detectorist in Cambridgeshire in 2022. It has been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database ref: CAM-1BD43B and disclaimed under the Treasure Act.

Several comparables are noted on the PAS database: ref: LANCUM-7B7DAD is very similar in style and decoration, and DUR-688B7B, also with the three raised fruits to either side of the bezel.


Emeralds were thought to protect against gout and epilepsy and also to increase riches. Grapes are symbolic of rebirth, whilst the mulberry tree was the emblem of the Dukes of Norfolk.