15th-16th century AD. A gold finger ring with cup bezel and low-relief meander pattern, inset 'toadstone' cabochon. 13 grams, 32.18mm overall, 23.04mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22) (1 1/4"). Property of a European jewellery collector; formerly in a French collection, 1980s-1990s; accompanied an independent specialist report and valuation by graduate gemmologist and jewellery expert Anna Rogers, GIA GG, BA, Gem-A, ref. no.163892/7/10/2020. A 'toadstone' was a legendary mineral (bufonite) recovered from the head of a toad, which possessed marvellous powers as an antidote to poisons and in the treatment of epilepsy. Many examples appear to be polished fragments of fossilised teeth or other minerals. [a video of this item will be available on Timeline Auctions website]