UNKNOWN GOLDSMITH, Italian
(active in 1550-1575)

Ring

1550-75
Gold, opal, enamel, diameter 18 mm
Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Milan

The opal, inserted to the centre of this ring, is admired for its distinctive play of colour. It is a semi-transparent solidified mineral composed of silicon and water. Ancient Romans believed opal to be a symbol of hope because it contains the colours of the rainbow. In the Middle Ages it referred to the chastity of Mary.