Antique Decade Rosary Ring, 18th Century
With ten projections and topped with a round plate featuring a rudimentary cross, or ‘X’.
Rosary or Decade rings date from the 16th century until well into the 18 century, and were used in place of rosaries by members of the Roman Catholic faith during the religious upheavals of this period. Such rings would have been more easily hidden than rosary beads, and this might also explain why the cross on this ring features as an ‘X’. These rings were also used my those who could not read prayers.
Traditionally, rosary / decade rings were worn just before the knuckle on the index finger of the dominant hand so that they could be turned easily in prayer.
Size – K 1/2 (UK) or 5 3/8 (US). Cannot be sized.
Metal – Metal analysis shows the ring is 66% copper, with the remaining alloy made up of zinc, nickel, and silver.
£500
