Ave!

Ring, Ottoman Empire, Silver, ca. early-mid 16th Century, Look!

Fine Silver; 16.7gm; Bezel 33mm; Ring size 9 1/4

Con/ about As Fabricated and engraved

Description/ Cast as one piece then engraved about the bezel with a wave-like motif. The stone is lapis lazuli and engraved with the Islamic Crescent and Star. (While the Ottoman Empire ruled the Muslim world, the star and crescent was adopted as the symbol of Islam. However, not all Muslims consider the crescent and star to be an Islamic symbol.)

Seller's Note/ Ground-found in the Balkans, it makes us wonder who was the fellow or lady who wore it during Ottoman invasion of the Balkans? Was he a an officer or an official of some sort? Perhaps a wife or concubine? A common Muslim grunt could never afforded the price of such an obviously expensive engraved ring. And why did he or she lose this very valuable ring? 

Either way, this massive silver ring is certainly one the most beautiful, and intriguing, that we have had the pleasure to present here on NRC!