Ring

This ring, set with a cabochon or unfaceted almandine garnet and in the form of a domed building, formerly belonged to May Morris, the daughter of the socialist, artist and designer William Morris. She was a talented embroiderer, designer and jeweller. The designer of this ring, artist Charles de Sousy Ricketts (1866-1931) also created various embroidery designs for her. Between about 1899 and 1908, Ricketts designed jewellery as personal gifts for friends. 58 of these designs, including that for May Morris's ring, survive in an album now in the British Museum. His pieces, including this ring, were heavily inspired by medieval and Renaissance jewellery and were generally made by the London jeweller Carlo Giuliano.

The domed building which forms the bezel of the ring was inspired by Jewish marriage rings which were often surmounted by a building representing either the Temple or symbolising the new couple's future home. The cabochon garnet, which would not have been found on a Jewish wedding ring, reflects the use of gemstones in medieval rings.