Magical amuletic ring

A most interesting European amuletic ring, circa 1840. The ring is steel and 18 carat gold with amuletic Zodiac inscriptions engraved on the band and set with a sapphire of approximately 1.75 carats. It was probably made for a Taurean. The idea of the Zodiac symbols was to bring to the wearer the “powers” of the planets they represent, usually for protective purposes but sometimes to gain an advantage over a rival or enemy. The steel was to invoke the powers of the planet or God Mars for an advantage in a battle situation. The sapphire would not only be the stone of Taurus but would bring clarity and calmness to a tense situation. The ring is for a male finger, size X [UK 11 and 5/8] and the band width tapers from 1/3 of an inch front centre to 1/4 of an inch at reverse. An unusual and most interesting piece.

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