Unworn "Luther Ring" Made of Gold With Rose-Cut Garnet

An unusual object is the present gold ring, featuring a rose-cut garnet at its centre: it is a faithful reproduction of the legendary ring with which Martin Luther is said to have married his beloved, the nun Katharina von Bora, in 1525. The original ring was kept by the couple’s descendants until it eventually found its way into a museum – it is still preserved in Leipzig today. This original ring, a gift from the Elector of Saxony, is an exceptional piece of goldsmithing. The openwork ring depicts the Crucifixion of Christ, with the band itself forming the cross. Alongside the Crucified figure, the instruments of the Passion, known as the “Arma Christi”, are represented. These include the ladder, the lance of Longinus, a scourge, a sceptre mocking his kingship, the staff with the vinegar sponge, a sword, a rope, and a bow, all shown in relief. At the intersection of the crossarms, the ring is set with a red garnet, symbolising the blood shed by Christ. From very early on, admirers of the Reformer had rings made after this model, which had been published in engravings and written descriptions, and wore them as a sign of their Protestant faith. The present ring is a replica of Luther’s wedding ring from the Kienast goldsmiths in Worms. The ring will be made for you after your order and has a delivery time of approx. three weeks.

Estimate:$1,673.2

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