The Gloucestershire Merchants Signet Ring
£75.00
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Please note: The first 3 images show the original artefact which isn’t for sale.
The Casting: This is an exact 1:1 cast of the original Gloucestershire find. We have meticulously preserved the hand-cut, slightly irregular geometric lines to maintain its authentic medieval character.
Material: Available in Solid Sterling Silver, 9ct Gold, or 18ct Gold.
Modern Restoration: We have finished the piece to ensure a smooth, high-quality internal fit while keeping the external “field-worn” texture that proves its ancient provenance.
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Please note: The first 3 images show the original artefact which isn’t for sale.
Period: 14th – 15th Century (Late Medieval)
Original Material: Copper Alloy (Bronze) with traces of gilding
Find Location: Gloucestershire, UK
Style: Circular bezel with incised geometric “X” and linear motifs
Significance of the Design:
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This ring belongs to a class of jewellery often referred to as “merchant signets.” In the late Medieval period, Gloucestershire was an international hub for the wool trade, creating a wealthy class of merchants and yeoman farmers who required personal seals to authenticate trade agreements and wool-sack tallies.The design features a central “X” or Saltire flanked by parallel vertical lines. While geometric, these marks were often deeply personal, acting as a non-heraldic “signature” for individuals who did not possess a family coat of arms. The “X” was also a common protective symbol, intended to bring “good measure” and honesty to business dealings. The sturdy, thick-shouldered band indicates this was a masculine piece, built to withstand the rigors of daily use in the bustling markets of the Cotswolds.
The Find:
Discovered by a metal detectorist in the historic county of Gloucestershire, the original artifact survives with a rich, dark “chocolate” patina typical of bronze that has rested in well-drained, alkaline soil. The wear on the bezel is significant, showing that the “signature” was pressed into wax thousands of times over the course of its owner’s life before it was finally lost to history.
| Material | Solid Sterling Silver, 9ct Gold, 18ct Gold |
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