A mesmerizing hunk of blue chalcedony was set in high-carat gold sometime in the 13th or 14th century. Chalcedony was prized for its ethereal glow and often carved into cameos, seals, or religious amulets. Blue chalcedony, in particular, was associated with calm, protection, and spiritual clarity. Goldsmiths typically set it in high-karat gold, using it in reliquaries, devotional rings, or status symbols.
This piece likely dates to the High to Late Middle Ages—a time of feudal power, cathedral-building, and illuminated manuscripts. Craft guilds were thriving, especially among goldsmiths and lapidaries, and this piece may have emerged from one of those workshops. Pilgrimage and trade routes (including those opened by the Crusades) brought exotic materials like chalcedony across Europe, making stones like this more widely available—but still very precious.
This was the High to Late Middle Ages, a time of feudalism, the rise of Gothic architecture, cathedrals, and illuminated manuscripts. A flourishing of craft guilds, including goldsmiths and lapidaries—our piece may have come from one of these workshops. Increased pilgrimage and trade brought exotic materials like chalcedony across Europe via the Crusades and Mediterranean networks.
MATERIALS: 18k gold (tests), 5.7mm blue chalcedony cabochon
AGE: c. 13-14th century
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 5.5, resizing not recommended; 7.3mm head, 1.5mm shank