Renaissance Era Heavy Gold Occultist's Ring. Emerald, Diamonds, The Devil, Snake

Description

This Renaissance Era heavy gold Occultist's ring is called "The Eye of the Seer".
Extremely rare circa 1490's to mid 1500's Italian Renaissance Occultist's ring. Heavy (14.2 grams) high karat gold is wonderfully and deeply hand carved. Heavily worn over with age. One diamond is a modern replacement, the other is the original early 'point cut' diamond (with point filed down as was the fashion to retrofit diamonds later in the 18th century). The emerald is the untreated and unoiled original to the ring featuring an early type of 'emerald cut' with fewer facets. The emerald measures approximately 5.5mm x 7mm and has a fine color and luster; though worn and scratched with age. It is the imagery used in the piece which makes it truly spectacular. The central feature is a snake coiled around the lush green emerald; roughly forming the shape of an eye. This motif is surrounded by oddities such as a fish skeleton, a grotesque, a crane and a sparrow. On the shank to one side the Devil is prominently featured; complete with pitchfork and goat-hoof feet. On the opposite side of the shank a nude woman is posed in a squatting position. Lasciviously, she is seen from behind, and she glances over her shoulder. It is believed this ring was made for and used by a practitioner of ceremonial magic. This is a highly important piece as an historical artifact of western occult and esotericism. It is also an extremely rare survivor given the controversial design (once possibly illegal or heresy to own such a piece!). It seems to have been worn in near constant use.
I collect gold and diamond jewelry from the Renaissance era to Age of Enlightenment era. The pieces I sell are from my personal collection and whenever possible I consult with leading experts prior to listing my items for sale. Described and listed to best of ability. Please enjoy all my unique offerings on E-bay!