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Medieval Crusader States Silver & Carnelian Ring with Heraldic Cross Shoulders (US Size 6 – 6.5 / c. 11th–13th Century AD)
Authenticity & Guarantee
Item Specifications & Exact Dimensions
Object: High-Status Medieval Silver Ring set with Natural Red Carnelian Cabochon & Relief Heraldic Shoulders
Culture / Period: Crusader States / Outremer (Kingdom of Jerusalem / Levantine Sphere)
Date Range: Circa 11th Century AD – 13th Century AD (c. 1095–1291 AD)
Ring Size: US Size 6 – 6.5 (approx. 16.5 mm – 16.9 mm internal diameter)
Material: Cast High-Grade Silver (Silver Alloy) with Natural Red Carnelian Gemstone
Form & Architecture: Raised cylindrical collet bezel with a beaded upper collar, securing a smooth, domed oval red carnelian cabochon; flared shoulders sculpted in high relief with heraldic cross motifs framed by granulated pellets, scrolling volutes, and diamond cartouches; band decorated with continuous double-milled beaded frieze work
Condition: Exceptional, complete ancient condition. Smooth intact carnelian stone firmly seated in original bezel, sharp high-relief detail on shoulder cross iconography, and a rich dark charcoal silver patina with subtle natural burial encrustations. Free of modern restoration or tooling.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT & TYPOLOGICAL LORE
Crusader Outremer Jewelry & Knightly Symbolism
During the 12th and 13th centuries in the Crusader States (Outremer—encompassing the Kingdom of Jerusalem, County of Tripoli, and Principality of Antioch), Western European heraldry blended with Eastern Levantine silversmithing. High-ranking military order members, noble knights, and affluent Christian pilgrims commissioned elaborate silver rings featuring red carnelian stones—symbolizing the blood of Christ and martyrdom—paired with bold heraldic cross iconography.
Heraldic Cross Shoulders & Beaded Metalwork
The shoulders feature prominent relief crosses surrounded by granulated pellets and scrolling cartouches, closely reflecting heraldic devices carved onto knightly seal matrices, scabbard mounts, and architecture across the Crusader Levant. The heavy silver band with its milled, beaded border demonstrates the sophisticated filigree casting techniques employed by Levantine silversmiths serving elite Western clientele.
Typological Analysis & Exact Classification
Comparable Archaeological Examples & Museum Accession Numbers
Israel Museum, Jerusalem: Crusader-period silver rings with carnelian gems and cross motifs from Acre and Jerusalem excavations.
British Museum (Accession No. 1917,0501.912): Medieval Crusader silver ring with relief cross shoulders and gem setting.
Louvre Museum (Inv. No. OA 3982): Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem silver ring set with carnelian cabochon.
TRN1-6
