1200-1500 AD. Later Crusader period. Silver ring with circular hoop and flattened, octagonal bezel which bears incised decoration depicting vegetal motifs. Heraldry, or the use of an inherited coat of arms, was a means by which to display personal identity and familial relations. This tradition began c. 12th century AD in battlefield contexts were elites needed a symbol to display in order to be easily recognizable even when their faces were obscured by armour. By the 13th century AD this practice was adopted by nobles and knights who took immense pride in their family arms and colours. The heraldic ring was a key part of this personal branding as it allowed the owner to stamp their coat of arms on their correspondences. The Crusades were military expeditions, beginning in the late 11th century, that were organized by western European Christians in response to centuries of Muslim wars of expansion in the Holy Lands. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: D: 19.51mm / US: 9 5/8 / UK: T; 3.2g; Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.