𝖆𝖓𝖈𝖎𝖊𝖓𝖙 𝖒𝖆𝖌𝖚𝖘

Rare Renaissance Gold and Type IIA Diamond Ring, 16th-17th Century AD

A slender D-section gold hoop with graduated rosettes to the shoulders, scrolls supporting a cupped bezel with egg-and-dart modeling to the rim, open to the underside; inset baguette-cut Type IIa ‘first water’ diamond; engraved areas were once enameled black as was customary for that period, trace enamel in extant. 3.78 grams, 23mm overall, 16.04mm internal diameter. Rare.

The stone was sourced from the Golconda mines, Hyderabad, India, which ceased production in 1725. It was subjected to analysis at EGL USA in New York in October 2016 and certified ‘Type IIA and not treated’. Type II diamonds have no nitrogen impurities. Type IIa diamonds comprise 1-2% of all natural diamonds; they are often entirely devoid of impurities and are usually colorless. The underside of the ring’s bezel was probably cut away in the 19th century to improve the appearance of the stone.

Lantern Shield with Gauntlet and Retractable Thrusting Blade (before 1596)

The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna

A mannerist combination weapon consisting of a round shield, an iron gauntlet, a retractable thrusting blade, and an oil lantern. The lantern could be used to dazzle an opponent during combat in low-light conditions. The object was part of the collection of Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol and was likely intended as a technical display piece rather than a practical battlefield weapon.

Origin: Austria (Collection of Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol)

Length: 82 cm; length (blade extended) 101 cm

Diameter: 40 cm

Depth: 40 cm

Material: Iron, brass, velvet, gold thread, leather

The fountain at Sylvain Castle ⛲

Lina Inverse casting the Ragna Blade from the Slayers artbook.

Velvet-purple Coronet (Boissonneaua jardini), male, family Trochilidae, order Apodiformes, Ecuador

Source of all power!

Sword, Germany, late 15th -early 16th century