* A RENAISSANCE GOLD RING SET WITH A FACETED ROCK CRYSTAL. Mid 16th century H. 1,5 cm Provenance Old private collection, Switzerland, between 1980s-1990s A splendid example of a European Renaissance ring dating to 1550–1600. A table-cut rock crystal is set in a closed setting. The quatrefoil-shaped bezel is enclosed by an inset crescent on each side and flanked by stippled shoulders, extending into a hoop with an alternating lozenge-shaped cross-section and carved balusters. For similar examples of 16th-century rings, see items 334 and 430 in Rings: Jewellery of Power, Love and Loyalty (2007) by Diana Scarisbrick; item AF.1743 in the British Museum collection; and items 279 and 281 in Victoria and Albert Museum Catalogue of Rings (1930) by C. Oman. For Swiss buyers, VAT applies to the hammer price and buyer's premium (only for the lots with the * mention)