The story of the stirrup ring is a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of jewellery history following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Roman jewellery left a lasting legacy that continued to influence fashion for centuries, even into the Middle Ages. However, as time passed, new designs began to emerge, including the stirrup ring – a style that became a defining feature of the 12th to 14th centuries.
The stirrup ring, with its distinctive form reminiscent of both a horse stirrup and a gothic arch, is a striking example of medieval artistry. These rings were beautiful and deeply symbolic. Often set with sapphires, they carried significant meaning for the wearer. Sapphires, considered sacred stones, were believed to offer spiritual strength and protection. Rings like these could serve as signs of faith, amulets to ward off evil, or even as talismans believed to cure illnesses. This particular example, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, likely belonged to a man.
The stirrup, often overlooked as a simple piece of horseback riding equipment, is far more significant than it might initially appear. In fact, this small invention played a pivotal role in shaping the course of history.
Originating in Central Asia, stirrups were first used by the fierce nomadic tribes who depended on their horses for survival and warfare. The introduction of stirrups provided these riders with greater stability and control, allowing them to wield weapons more effectively while mounted. This seemingly minor innovation had a profound impact, enabling the expansion of these tribes and the dominance of cavalry in warfare.
As the use of stirrups spread, they were adopted by China, Korea, and Japan around the 4th to 5th century AD. In these regions, the stirrup thoroughly changed cavalry tactics, enhancing the effectiveness of mounted troops and leading to significant changes in military strategies and societal structures.
The stirrup, which made its way to Europe around the 6th or 7th century, is an excellent example of how a seemingly simple object can have profound and far-reaching effects. Its introduction revolutionised medieval warfare by elevating the mounted knight to a position of dominance on the battlefield. This shift not only redefined military tactics but also catalysed complex social and cultural changes across Europe.
As the stirrup enabled knights to wield greater control and power, European society increasingly became dominated by an aristocracy of horseback warriors. This new class of mounted knights, with their enhanced combat capabilities, began to shape the structure of medieval society, leading to the rise of feudalism and the establishment of a new social hierarchy.
The influence of the stirrup was not confined to the battlefield. It also permeated the cultural and artistic realms, inspiring new designs and symbols. The goldsmiths of the time, keen to capture the essence of this transformative period, created a new type of ring: the stirrup ring. Few inventions have been as simple yet as impactful as the stirrup.
Our stirrup ring is a modern reinterpretation of the medieval design, more stylised yet still unmistakably recognisable as a stirrup. The pure, elegant lines of the ring are brought to life with the vibrant hues of sapphires, reminiscent to the historical inspiration behind the piece. While the most famous sapphire colour is cornflower blue, these gems also come in a stunning array of lively colours, such as orange. Interestingly, rubies are actually a variety of sapphire, known for their deep, saturated fuchsia-pink hue.
To add a contrasting touch of colour, we’ve incorporated emerald-green tsavorites into the design. These precious gems, which were only discovered in the 20th century, offer a unique and luxurious counterpoint to the sapphires. The gemstones are meticulously set in 18k yellow gold, enhancing their brilliance and making the ring a true statement of timeless elegance.
This contemporary take on a classic design bridges the past and present, celebrating both the rich history of jewellery and the artistry of modern craftsmanship.
We named the collection Staffa, the Italian word for stirrup, to honour the legacy of this small yet revolutionary invention. Each Staffa ring, whether worn individually or stacked, serves as a reminder of how even the simplest of objects can be game-changers, altering the course of history.
With their sleek, stylised design and vibrant gemstones, our Staffa rings are symbols of the transformative power of small changes.
