Rediscovering the Magical Properties in a £5,000 ‘Toadstone’ Ring

Rediscovering the Magical Properties in a £5,000 ‘Toadstone’ Ring

Found by head of department Catriona Smith in a box of mixed jewellery, a rare 16th or 17th century gold 'toadstone' ring comes for sale at Sworders in November, with expectations of £3,000-5,000.

27 October 2022

Toadstones are now understood to be the button-like palatal teeth of lepidotes, an extinct genus of ray finned fish from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. However, throughout the Middle Ages and into the 18th century they were thought to be found in the heads of living toads and were highly prized for their supposed magical properties. In particular, it was believed they could be used as an antidote to poison and were commonly worn about the personal as amuletic rings and pendants.

Loose toadstones were discovered among other gemstones in the Cheapside Hoard while William Shakespeare referred to them in As You Like It (1599) writing: Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.

A 16th or 17th century high carat gold 'toadstone' ring

A 16th or 17th century high carat gold 'toadstone' ring, £3,000-5,000

This example, set in a high carat gold shank in the Tudor or early Stuart period, was bought in for sale as part of a box of jewellery. While the seller, from the Stansted Montfitchet area, had no idea of its potential worth, it was spotted by Sworders’ jewellery expert Catriona Smith who said: “ I knew straight away what the toadstone was, but recommended a report to the client as the potential buyers would require the certification.”  It was later authenticated as a fossilised fish tooth by the Gemmological Certification Services.

The mount to the ring is pierced to the underside in the expectation that the stone’s protective powers would be increased on contact with the wearer’s skin. At some point in its life the ring had become too small for the owner to wear so instead it was fitted to a chain.


To find out more about this item and our upcoming sale, please contact our Jewellery department jewellery@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

 

 


 

Recent News

 

Fascinating Figures | Charles Vyse and Ceramics

English studio potter Charles Vyse has an exciting and vibrant selection of ceramic works on offer in Sworders 28 January Design sale. Delve into the history of the craftmanship behind these pieces and the career that led to such captivating creations.

4 December 2024

 

We're Buzzing at Sworders

Hidden around the Stansted Mountfitchet site of Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers, we are lucky to have two beehives that have been busily working throughout the year. Jars of honey were offered in return for donations, which went towards to raising money for 'Young Lives vs Cancer', our charity of the year, and we’re hoping that more honey will be on offer in 2025. John Black delves into the apiary...

4 December 2024

Take a Seat | William Carr & Chairfinder

Chairfinder, based near Darlington in the North East of England, is a family-run business with a flair for unique, fine and beautifully crafted chairs and interior items. Run by the ever-passionate William Carr, who scours the country looking for exceptional and distinctive items as well as collaborating with contemporary artists and designers. 

27 November 2024

 


 

Get Sworders News