Medieval “Beast Heads” Silver Ring with Gold leaf.

Date: c. 12th - 13th Century
Weight: 5.21 grams
Size: 8.5 (U.S.) / Q 1/2 (U.K.) 

History of the Artifact

Dated to the High Middle Ages (12th-13th Centuries) this ring’s main feature - its beast heads biting the shank of the ring - are reminiscent of the infamous gargoyles found in contemporary Gothic architecture. Flanked by the beast heads, the ring forms an apex in the form of a domed rosette. The ring is silver but shows evident signs of gold leafing across all surfaces, which has dimmed over the course of centuries. 

In medieval art and jewelry, gargoyles and beast motifs often symbolized protection, power, and the tension between good and evil. These fantastical creatures, frequently grotesque or hybrid in form, served both decorative and apotropaic functions—warding off evil spirits and guarding sacred spaces or precious objects. Their presence reflected the medieval imagination, rich with allegory and moral symbolism, and revealed a worldview deeply shaped by spiritual anxieties, the mystery of the natural world, and the need for divine safeguarding in everyday life.

Authenticity

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.

Your order will include:

• Medieval Ring as seen in photos
• Certificate of Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.