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Cusped Ring

15th century
On view at The Met Cloisters in Gallery 02
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
When this ring was made, goldsmiths concentrated on showcasing the color and brilliance of gemstones. Here, the designer captures the deep, lustrous tones of the hessonite garnet. The ring itself is cast from a single piece of gold. The octagonal collar that holds the stone in place has been pulled down to create prongs and cusped depressions, which give this type its name. This ring is especially notable for its heavy weight and fine craftsmanship.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Cusped Ring
  • Date: 15th century
  • Culture: North European
  • Medium: Gold, hessonite garnet
  • Dimensions: 1 × 1 × 1/2 in., 0.435oz. (26 × 26 × 13 mm, 12.34g)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Gold
  • Credit Line: Griffin Collection
  • Object Number: L.2015.72.14
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters