During the Middle Ages, especially between the 12th and 15th centuries, ancient and contemporary gems across Western Europe were often reused as seals, frequently set into rings or pendants. The natural and supernatural properties attributed to precious and semi-precious stones are well documented in written treatises, known as lapidaries. Their healing, protective, and other beneficial qualities were considered God-given virtues and integrated into the Christian worldview.
This corpus focuses on the region of medieval Britain, where this trend began around the mid-12th century and lasted until at least the end of the 14th century. It collects two types of material: metal seal mounts set with engraved gems, preserved in museums or private collections, and wax seal impressions attached to documents, preserved in archives across the country.

The work forms part of a PhD project conducted by Adél Ternovácz at the University of Reading and is continuously being developed and expanded.

Click HERE to browse the amulets.