The Medieval Period (1100AD - 1499AD)

Gold ring with agate gems

Period:

Medieval

Description:

This ring is 20 carat gold, the Scottish standard during the medieval period.  It is evidence that the tastes of fashionable European society extended to Scotland.

 

This style can be dated from the late 15th to early 16th century, and a similar example can be seen in Hans Holbein¿s 1517 portrait of Benedikt von Hertenstein. Analytical analysis has shown that the gold content is around 20 carat ¿ the medieval Scottish gold standard; this, and the use of agates, strongly suggest that the ring is the work of a local goldsmith copying wider European fashions.

Materials/Media:

metal & gold (82%), silver (10%), copper (8%), mineral & agate

Dimensions:

diameter (internal): 15mm width (max): 18mm; depth (stone fitting included): 21mm width (band): 3mm to 8mm

Source:

Dumfries Museum & Camera Obscura

Accession number:

DUMFM:2006.16

Digital Number:

DMAC046n

Creation Date:

15th Century

Copyright:

Dumfries & Galloway Council

RCAHMS site record:

Kirkton Ring

References:

Campbell, S (2005b) 'Kirkton (Kirkmahoe parish), medieval finger ring' Discovery Excav Scot, vol.6 Page(s): 45