Victorian Saint Mark Ring
A remarkable antique ring from the Victorian period, circa 1880. It's crafted in 15 carat yellow gold, with a halo of silky pearls and pomegranate-pink rubies around the central circular panel; the background is red enamel, atop of which a gold winged lion stands stridently facing the viewer, one paw raised resting on an open Bible and a white enamel halo shining behind his mane. This is the Lion of Saint Mark; the heraldic symbol of Mark the Evangelist, the man traditionally ascribed as the author of the Gospel of Mark and the founder of the episcopal diocese of Alexandria.
The winged lion is an aspect of the tetramorph of the four evangelists as living creatures; Mathew (a man), Mark (a lion), Luke (an ox) and John (an eagle). The creatures of the tetramorph, just like the four gospels of the Evangelists, represent four facets of Christ. The representation of Mark as a lion is generally ascribed to his description of John the Baptist as "...The voice of the one who cries in the wilderness: Prepare Ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths" which artists interpreted as a roaring lion. A second tie between Mark and the lion comes from Severus ibn al-Muqaffa, a 10th century Coptic Orthodox Bishop from Hermopolis (in Egypt), who recounted "Once a lion and lioness appeared to John Mark and his father Arostalis while they were traveling in Jordan. The father was very scared and begged his son to escape, while he awaited his fate. John Mark assured his father that Jesus Christ would save them and began to pray. The two beasts fell dead and as a result of this miracle, the father believed in Christ.
Era: Victorian, circa 1880
Head size: 12.1mm diameter
Ring size: R 1/2 or 8.75 US. Resizable for £35
Stones: Enamel, Pearls and Rubies (0.35ct total calculated)
Marks: Stamped 15ct Gold
Condition: Good antique condition
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
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
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Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be 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, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are 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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An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 2-3 weeks to shipping times
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