Tudor signet ring

A rare high carat gold signet ring, late Tudor period, circa 1600. Signet or seal rings were intensely personal to the owner and not only status symbols but also used as a means of authenticating messages. This Tudor signet ring is incised with initials AH between devices of suns and crowns within a decorative cabled border. To reverse maker’s mark B. The ring is size N [US 6 and 1/2] and in exceptional condition. Such rings rarely come onto the market today. For a similar late Tudor signet with maker’s mark to reverse, see British Museum gold signet ring, museum number : 1928, 0507.

sold

Details from a portrait of Gamaliel Pye wearing a gold signet bearing initials, 1596.