The New Murrey and Blue blog

The above ring is part of an exhibition of 121 historic rings that is to be open from 7-11 October 2024 at S.J. Phillips’ Mayfair showroom. I confess to longing to know to whom this ring originally belonged. Someone recognisable to us today? One of Richard II’s supporters, obviously, but was it lost or wisely discarded when Richard was usurped by his cousin Henry IV? After all, once that happened it wouldn’t do to be caught wearing a signet ring bearing Richard’s white hart badge. To me this is the most desirable ring in the exhibition, but then you all know Richard II is one of my two favourite kings. And you know the other is Richard III.

Moving on from the 14^th/15^th century: “….Beginning in the early 16th century, precious gems were prized as symbols of rank and wealth among royalty, nobility and religious leaders. They were also considered to have healing properties. Many rings in the collection reflect the appeal of garnets and rubies….” And to reflect this the ring below is included.

There are many other rings, some from very early times, some more recent, some more lavish than the two I’ve illustrated, and some quite plain. You can see much more about them and a number of photographs here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonydemarco/2024/09/06/sj-phillips-celebrates-155-years-with-an-historic-ring-collection/