Late Renaissance Lion Ring

Date: c. 17th - 18th Century
Weight: 27.38 grams
Size: 9.5 (U.S.) / T (U.K.) 

This showy silver-gilt ring is dated to the late Renaissance. It’s a piece with much personality, not just due to its elegant seal featuring a “Lion en Passant” within a pelleted border, but because of the pronounced setting of the seal providing the ring its distinct shape. No corner of the ring is left undecorated. The outer layer of the ring is adorned with five radiating discs each with gilt face and starburst motif, while the shoulders of the ring, underneath the seal, are incised with elaborate ‘S-scroll’ motifs. 

The “Lion en passant” (lion walking with one forepaw raised) was a popular heraldic motif in medieval and Renaissance jewelry, symbolizing bravery, strength, and nobility. Frequently seen on signet rings, pendants, and brooches, it also often represented noble lineage. 

Similar rings can be found in the collection of the British Museum (Reference: AF.863).

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

You will receive the exact ring shown in the photos.

Our ancient jewelry pieces are carefully sourced from a trusted network of antiquities specialists, collectors, and licensed dealers across Europe and the Middle East. Each item in our collection has been professionally vetted for authenticity and often comes with details about its historical origin and cultural background. While it may seem surprising, artifacts like these are more abundant than most people realize—thousands have survived over the centuries, often thanks to being buried in hoards or passed down through generations. These objects were once everyday items, worn or used by real people in the ancient world, and many have remained remarkably well-preserved.