13th century Medieval silver posy ring "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"

Description

This is a wonderful and very rare medieval silver posy ring, inscribed outside the band with
“+IESVS: NAZARNVS: REX: IVDEORVM
” for “
Jesus Christ of Nazareth, King of the Jews
“. The style of lettering in Lombardic script gives us a date of 1180 – 1320 AD.  Such rings are often referred to as religious or magical & medicinal rings due to the fact that they were inscribed with invocations intended to produce certain effects such as protecting the wearer from harm, or healing sickness.  The words
IESVS NAZARENVS REX IVDEORVM
are held to have been inscribed above the head of Christ on the cross. It is a phrase that was commonly employed on medieval objects, primarily, finger rings and brooches, for their perceived magical qualities in curing or averting illness and misfortune. Ref: Oman, 1974, 633; states “
In The Revelation to the Monk of Evesham, written in 1196, a goldsmith in Purgatory discloses that the words gave protection from sudden death
.” as such this type of posy ring was intended more as an amuletic ring designed to protect the wearer from “sudden death”. This is a rare and intact medieval ring in good wearable condition.
OBJECT:
Posy Ring
CULTURE:
Medieval
DATE:
c. 1200 – 1300 AD
MATERIAL:
Silver
RING SIZE:
8 3/4   (US)      R 1/4  (UK)
SIZE:
21.39mm x 3.69mm
WEIGHT:
2.74 grams
PROVENANCE:
Formerly the property of an Essex collector
This ring is unconditionally guaranteed to be an antique original and to date from the period described. A certificate of authenticity will be supplied on request.