The Essex Lombardic Signet
£75.00
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Please note: The first 2 images show the original artefact which isn’t for sale.
The Casting: This is an exact 1:1 cast of the original Essex find. We have preserved the authentic “hand-carved” feel of the Lombardic letters to ensure the historical soul of the piece remains intact.
Material: Available in Solid Sterling Silver, 9ct Gold, or 18ct Gold.
Finish: Hand-burnished to highlight the recessed script, allowing the ancient letters to catch the light as they would have over 700 years ago.
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Please note: The first 2 images show the original artefact which isn’t for sale.
Period: 13th – 14th Century (High Medieval)
Original Material: Copper Alloy (Bronze)
Find Location: Essex, UK
Style: Oval bezel with incised Lombardic inscription and linear shoulders
Significance of the Design:
This ring features an inscription in Lombardic capitals, a script characterized by its curved, swelling lines. While the specific text on many of these finds remains a “mystery” due to ancient spelling variations or shorthand, these inscriptions usually fell into three categories:
- Religious Invocations: Short prayers like “Ave Maria” or “IESVS” intended for spiritual protection.
- Mottoes of Love: Romantic phrases in Norman French, such as “Amor Vincit Omnia” (Love conquers all).
- Personal Names: The name or initials of the owner, serving as a functional signature for sealing wax.
The triple linear grooves on the shoulders of the band are a deliberate stylistic choice. They draw the eye toward the bezel, framing the text and signalling that the wearer was literate – a significant mark of status in Medieval Essex among the burgeoning merchant and administrative classes.
The Find:
Discovered by a metal detectorist in the heavy clays of Essex, the original artifact survives with a deep, stable “forest green” patina. The lettering remains remarkably crisp, suggesting that while the ring was worn daily, it was cast with high-quality bronze intended to last for generations. Its presence in Essex, a county with powerful trade links to London and the Continent, highlights the sophisticated international culture of the High Middle Ages.
| Material | Solid Sterling Silver, 9ct Gold, 18ct Gold |
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