ca. 1100–1300 AD. Crusader period. A medieval bronze ring with a circular band, flared shoulders with incised linear decoration, and an octagonal 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: 18mm / US: 7 3/4 / UK: P 1/2; 8g