ca. 1300–1500 AD. European. A solid silver ring with a circular band, flared shoulders decorated with an 'X' motif, and an oval bezel decorated with an incised Medieval coat of arms in the shape of a star and a shield surmounted by a crown; coat of arms, the principal part of a system of hereditary symbols dating back to early medieval Europe, were used primarily to establish identity in battle; they then evolved to denote family descent, adoption, alliance, property ownership, and, eventually, profession; excellent condition, wearable.Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK and European art market.Size: D: 18.6mm / US: 8 5/8 / UK: R; 5.7g