The Medici Family Signet Ring

The Medici Family Signet Ring 1

Material/Specs: Black Onyx, carved intaglio setting.

Context & Provenance

When It Was Found (Creation Context)

Found in the sealed foundation of a former Medici administrative building during renovations in 1910.

Country & Location of Origin

Florence, Italy

Real History & Interpretation

Signet rings were crucial symbols of authority in Renaissance politics. This ring, bearing the family crest (six balls), would have been used to authenticate official correspondence and legal documents, representing the immense financial and political power held by the Dukes of Florence.

Image Licensing Note: All visuals for artifacts in this collection are assumed to be licensed under Creative Commons or Public Domain for educational display purposes.