A narrow silver band is engraved around the exterior with “S. M. MAGDALENA ORA PRO ME”, Latin for “Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for me.” The magic of the ring works through text: it's a compact prayer worn on the body. Dating to around 1700, it belongs to the long tradition of devotional rings that made private religious practice portable. Mary Magdalene was especially associated with penitence and intense personal devotion. The ring's plainness is part of its appeal; the restrained silver band and abbreviated inscription make it feel personal and practical, most likely designed for regular wear rather than a display of wealth.
thedetails
- Materials
silver
- Age
c. 1700
- Condition
Very good - minor wear commensurate with age and use
- Size
6.5, cannot be resized; 2.7mm shank
Need more photos?
Send us an email to request photos of this piece on a model.

Aboutthe
StuartEra
1603 — 1714
A new era dawned when Queen Elizabeth — the last Tudor monarch — died without an heir. The monarchy was temporarily displaced by the Commonwealth of England from 1649 to 1660 by Oliver Cromwell, but was restored — aka "The Restoration" — as Charles II was invited to take the throne. His father, Charles I, had been beheaded in 1649, and most of the jewelry we see from this period was at least stylistically related to this controversial political event. During this time, discoveries and innovations transformed England and Scotland, which were conjoined after a long period of feuding. Coffee became a new trendy beverage, with 600 coffeehouses in London all catering to a different type of clientele. This imported novelty beverage was possible because of the UK's rapidly expanding worldwide trade network. Not yet interested in acquiring territories, the island nation focused instead on making a fortune exporting wool and importing goods like slaves, sugar, and tea. Everyone (except the enslaved people, of course) benefited from the new merchant class that arose, and in the process the Royal Navy became the most powerful in the world. The look of London changed, too — after the Great Fire of 1666, Christopher Wren was hired to rebuild the city's damaged churches, with his greatest accomplishment being St. Paul's Cathedral.
please note:Terms of Sale
Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.



