PREVIEW: JEWELLERY: 26 MARCH

Noonans Mayfair are delighted to be offering for sale an important selection of Medieval and post-Medieval rings in the spring Jewellery auction on 26 March.

From simple inscribed gold bands to bejewelled rings made for those of high station, they date from the 12th to 17th centuries and include:

- The King Row Ring, a rare 12th/13th century, bishop's gem-set ring, mounted with sapphire, garnets, and emeralds, discovered near Shipdham in Norfolk, the site of a Medieval manor house and Royal Deer Park, both belonging to the Bishops of Ely. The estimate is £15,000-18,000.

- Two Medieval posy rings, bearing romantic inscriptions: the first a plain gold band inscribed to the exterior in Medieval French Lombardic script, translating as 'I love you faithfully'. This ring is in extremely fine condition, virtually unworn, and guided at £6,000-8,000.

- The second posy ring, with garnet-set pie-dish bezel, is again inscribed to the exterior of the band, and translating from Medieval Latin as 'My love is more (than) words'. It is expected to fetch £3,000-5,000.

- A rare and beautiful Elizabethan ruby ring, 1560-1580, with scalloped, bezel and volute shoulders, decorated in white, blue, and black enamel, carries hopes of £6,000-8,000.

- A 15th century ring with a hidden message of support for Edward IV is pitched at £2,600-3,000.

- The Sir Richard Rainsford Memorial Ring: Sir Richard was a 17th-century MP and Chief Justice of the Court of the King's Bench. He sat in judgment on some of the last witch trials held in England, including that of the Malmesbury Coven in 1672, which resulted in the conviction and execution of Judith Mitchell and Ann Tilling for witchcraft. The ring should sell for £6,000-8,000.