17th Century Ottoman Ring
Have you ever seen a ring like this? (Most people haven't, nor ever will).
A signet ring made in the Ottoman empire, Anatolia or modern-day Turkey, in the 17th century (!!). It's built around an oval turquoise cabochon with scalloped engraving around the setting and green and white enamelling down the shoulders and under the head. Crafted in silver throughout with the pale remnants of a gold wash (gilding). The stone has lightened slightly over time, an excellent complement to the seams of matrix that can been seen running through it.
The Ottoman empire was founded in 1299 by Osman I. Beginning its existence as a small principality in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), the Ottoman empire would survive more than 600 years, becoming a vast, transcontinental superpower reaching from Algiers in the west to the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf in the east, Egypt in the south and almost as far as Vienna in the north. In 1453 Sultan Mehmed II did the impossible: he breached the ancient walls of Constantinople and took the city, marking the end of the Byzantine empire (and Rome's unbroken lineage in the east).
Jewellery was as important to the Ottomans as to any other culture, and the incorporation and evolution of Byzantine techniques and traditions combined with the vast wealth of the empire shaped the western perception of extreme opulence and exoticism.
Indeed, by the 17th century - when this ring was made - many European jewellers travelled to Constantinople to learn from the Armenien gold and silversmiths employed by the royal court, facilitating a fascinating exchange of influences and ideas - particularly where enamel was involved.
Era: Ottoman, circa 1650
Stone: Turquoise (natural)
Head: 1.4cm by 1.1cm
Ring size: N 1/2 or 7 US (not resizable)
Marks: None, tested as silver
Condition: Good antique condition; light wear consistent with age. Enamel is in great shape.
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
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Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Shipments
US Customs now charges a 10% tariff on all UK shipments as they cross the border. We will pay this customs charge on your behalf. Import duties remain 0% on antiques.
[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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info@lostowl.com
An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 3-6 weeks to shipping times Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
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