Finger Ring with a Cross, 450525
Frankish
Gold sheet with filigree and granulation, cloisonné cells inset with garnet and mother-of-pearl; Diam. 7/8 in. (2.1 cm)
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.192.229)
Frankish
Gold sheet with filigree and granulation, cloisonné cells inset with garnet and mother-of-pearl; Diam. 7/8 in. (2.1 cm)
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.192.229)
Rings were generally worn by men and women of high rank, although somewith monograms or namesserved as seals for impressing documents. Most were purely decorative in nature, sometimes, as in this case, using Christian symbols. This ring, with its elegant pattern of filigree and granulation on the band and its striking use of garnet and mother-of-pearl on the bezel, is exceptional in both decoration and material and demonstrates the sophistication of Frankish metalwork from an early date.

















