S.J. Phillips Captivating Collection Of Historical Rings
17th-century gimmel-ringwith-Roman intaglio
There are something about rings throughout history that captivate me more than any other jewel. Maybe it is their personalized nature, the intricacies of the art and symbolism of ancient civilizations, different cultures, royalty and how these small works of art can capture the essence of different time periods as well as how they link to the significance of each wearer’s life. That is why I was so excited to discover that S.J. Phillips, one of London’s premiere multi-generational antique shops has curated an important exhibition of rings to celebrate the company’s 155th Anniversary in business. The Jonest Collection of Rings comprises121 miniature marvels spanning two millennia of history and will be on display at S.J. Phillips’ Mayfair showroom from 7 until 11 October 2024, which coincides with London Frieze Week. Additionally , S.J. Phillips has published a fully illustrated catalogue written by Diana Scarisbrick and Sonia Butler and entitled Marvels in Miniature: The Jonest Collection of Rings.
The extensive collection dating from ancient Greece to the 18th century was built over more than 40 years and encompasses every category of rings – bridal, posy, signet, amulet, memento mori, devotional, memorial and decorative. “As well as shedding light on many facets of civilization, from politics and religion to art and fashion, the rings featured in the exhibition are also symbols of love, power, sorrow and loyalty, offering a glimpse into the lives and passions of their former owners like no other relics from the past,” reports S.J. Phillips.
Nicolas Norton, great grandson of S.J. Phillips who co-runs the dealership, explains, “These rings would have adorned the fingers of some of the most powerful and wealthiest men and women of their time. With many of these rings having their equivalents in museums, this collection not only traces 2,000 years of ring-making at its highest, but also provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Europe, its belief systems and symbols of power. I found fascinating the fact that such small works of art can encapsulate both the Zeitgeist and style of an era with the emotions of human life”.
Highlights include early examples of Greco-Roman wedding rings, Byzantine ornamental rings, exquisite displays of Merovingian goldsmiths’ work, medieval and Renaissance rings as well as a selection of ring with royal connections.
Gold pierced Roman engagement-band,2nd-3rd century CE featuring the inscription ‘ANIMA DVLCIS VIVAS MECV’ ( ‘Sweet soul, live with me’).
a 16th- century British gold and enamel Memento Mori ring
6th-7th century Byzantine wedding ring
A 16th century gold and pink enameled posy ring
The posy ring from above showing the full inside which is inscribed ‘MON COEUR EST A VOUS’ (‘My heart is yours’) with each word spaced by a pink enameled heart.
16th century gold fede ring
A sculptural mid 16th century enamel and ruby ring
Gold signet ring with the badge of King Richard-II dating from the late 14th-early 15th-century
An 18th-century ruby and diamond ring in which twin hearts are formed by inverted pear-shaped rubies
Diamond and enamel portrait miniature ring enclosing the portrait thought to be of Princess Anne
Note: Featured image portrays a 17th-century swivel locket ring commemorating the marraige of Kink Charles I and Herietta Maria of France in 1625 featuriing on one side an enamelled red heart pierced by two black arrows, between the initials C and H. The Locket swivels to reveal a signet.
All photos courtesy of S.J. Phillips Ltd.
