Renaissance Ring with Ancient Roman Mosaic Glass

Dating from c. 15th-16th century Europe, this gilt ring is set with ancient mosaic glass. The polychrome hexagonal glass fragment is bezel-set within a dentilled surround, its deep basket and gallery joining open arced shoulders, all ornamented by trefoil and foliate motifs in relief on an engraved field, with possible remnants of niello. With its beautiful patina and unusual materials, this remarkable ring, gently worn by many hands, combines the Renaissance jeweler’s art with reverence for the ancient world.