A rare Elizabethan signet ring, the slender silver hoop plai...

A rare Elizabethan signet ring, the slender silver hoop plain around its lower circumference and broadening towards the bezel into sculptural scrolling shoulders divided by stepped transverse mouldings, the raised circular bezel is formed with a double moulded border above a deeply fluted or gadrooned cup-shaped underbezel, the bezel is set with a transparent rock-crystal intaglio engraved with a phoenix rising from flames, its wings displayed and head turned to one side, beneath the crystal, gold foil over a red painted ground, the recessed engraving likely intended to function as a personal seal, producing a raised impression of the phoenix when pressed into wax, Circa 1570–1590, size L/M, 7 grams, presented in a burgundy leather jeweller’s box marked Butt & Co Ltd, Eastgate Row, Eastgate St, Chester

Estimate:£2,000

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