Ring, Italy?, 16th-early 17th century, gold, turquoise and rock crystals.
Mined in Persia, turquoise is a soft porous mineral that has not survived the centuries well and is easily discolored even by the oils from the skin. It was highly prized in the Middle Ages for its talismanic virtues, promising contentment to the wearer, as well as protection against illness, drowning, poisoning, or having an accident while horseback riding...