ca. 1100–1400 AD. Crusaders period. A medieval bronze ring with a circular band and an oval bezel decorated with the star of Bethlehem; the star of Bethlehem, a recurrent decorating motif in Medieval jewellery, is a powerful symbol of Christian tradition; according to the Gospel of Matthew (2: 1– 2), three wise men from the East (the Magi) travelled to Jerusalem guided by the Bethlehem star to greet the King of the Jews, i.e. Jesus.Provenance: From the private collection of a Central London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/European art market before 2000.Size: D: 15.8mm / US: 5 1/8 / UK: K; 5.7g