Annular Brooch

This is an annular brooch from 13th century Europe, possibly made in France. It is mainly gold with ruby and sapphire stones used to decorate it. The stones are placed an equal distance apart from each other around the border of the brooch and there is sapphire on the pin. The purpose of a brooch like this was to secure garments of clothing to each other while on the wearer. Clothing and linens play an important role in the story, as they are the key to transformation for Bisclavret. There is a French inscription on it that translates to “I am here in the place of the friend I love”. This item is culturally significant as jewellery like this is often exchanged between lovers. Love and lust are key themes in the Bisclavret story, as the wife of Bisclavret betrays their love to be with another admirer.