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 in her own right. The designer of this ring Charles de Sousy Ricketts (1866-1931) was a sculptor, artist, illustrator and founder of the Vale Press and the art journal The Dial. He was particularly known for his stage designs, most notably for Oscar Wilde's notorious production of Salomé. Ricketts and May Morris were personal friends and part of the same artistic circles. He designed embroidery patterns for her and accompanied her on river trips from his home in Richmond.

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 entitled 'Designs for Jewellry [sic] done in Richmond 1899, C. Ricketts'. His pieces, including this ring, were heavily inspired by medieval and Renaissance jewellery and by his fondness for coloured gemstones. They were generally made by the London jeweller Carlo Giuliano, although Ricketts was sometimes disappointed by the quality of the modelling of the finished jewels. Ricketts exhibited this ring at the 1899 Arts and Crafts exhibition alongside a pair of episcopal gloves, designed by him and embroidered by Morris. However, he was displeased by the later reception of his ring by May Morris, who only wore it for a week, causing him to deplore her as an 'indolent woman'. Although Ricketts enjoyed designing jewellery and presenting it to friends, the expense grew considerable and he was eventually persuaded to give up the practice.

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.