Rings were the most common medieval jewel - worn by women, men and children across all classes of society. Gemset rings, most commonly using a sapphire, garnet or ruby were reserved for the most wealthy. The irregular shape of the bezel on this ring was dictated by the form of the sapphire, polished but not yet cut into a regular shape. Four tiny emeralds were originally set at each point but only one now survives. The hoop is engraved with a regular repeating pattern.

This gold and sapphire ring was more than just a fashionable jewel. Medieval authors ascribed magical or spiritual properties to gemstones. Sapphires were believed by some writers to promote chastity, peace and reconciliation and to cure snake bites. The cool blue colour of the stone was also thought to cure headaches and heal ulcers. This celestial blue colour was described by the writer Bartholomeus Anglicus (died 1272) as 'most like heaven in fair weather' and was associated with the Virgin Mary, often depicted wearing a blue gown. The heavenly connection made sapphires a popular choice for bishops and several sapphire rings have been found in the tombs of English and French bishops.

The ring originally belonged to Dame Joan Evans, a pioneering jewellery historian and writer, who left her collection to the V&A.