#foliate

Scottish agate pinchbeck bangle, Georgian (c.1800-1830)

'The bangle is crafted expertly in pinchbeck and has been gilded in a bright 18ct yellow gold and... is embossed with flower, eagle and leaf motifs across the front and around the band.' (Laurelle, £1,250)

A Russian Silver and Silver-Gilt Tea Caddy, 

Pavel Ovchinnikov, Moscow, 1889,

Eight 14cm, 5 1/2 in.

Antique Arts & Crafts Slag Glass Bradley & Hubbard School Table Lamp, circa 1920An antique Arts & Crafts table lamp in the manner of Bradley and Hubbard offers paneled shade with foliate filigree cast frame housing bent slag glass and surmounting cast double socket base, circa 1920.

This bronze five-lobed mirror has a scrolling foliate pattern punctuated by a fleur-de-lis decorating each lozenge. The reverse side of the mirror is smooth in order to see one’s reflection.

Katherine Swynford, Duchess of Lancaster's posy ring, c.1360-1400

Sapphire cabochon set in yellow gold, shoulders decoratively enhanced with finely carved flowers and foliage, and with ornate blackletter 'alas for fayte' inscription to the interior of the bezel. (1stdibs, £66,300)

'Reputedly gifted by John of Gaunt (1340-1399) to his mistress and subsequent wife, Katherine Swynford (1350-1403).

John of Gaunt was the third son of King Edward III. A member of the Order of the Garter and titled Earl of Lancaster, generous land grants meant that he was one of the richest men of his day. Originally appointed as governess to the children of John of Gaunt and his first wife, Blanche, Katherine subsequently entered in to a love affair with John. The affair lasted for many years and produced four children. The couple eventually married in Lincoln Cathedral following the death of John's second wife in 1394, thus legitimising their offspring.

The remains of Katherine and her daughter Joan were later interred there, although their tombs were damaged during the English Civil War. Illustrious descendants of the couple include George Washington, James Monroe, Alfred Lord Tenyson and HRH Elizabeth II.

The inscription 'alas for fayte' is otherwise unrecorded in rings of this period, and is likely to have been intended as an ironic comment on John and Katherine's illicit love affair. The inscription forms an amusing juxtaposition with the sapphire - a stone that was associated with the preservation of chastity.