Cycles of Life: Rings from the Benjamin Zucker Family Collection

An unparalleled collection of rings dating from the 3rd to the 19th century, presented not chronologically but rather grouped into timeless themes - birth, love, betrothal, marriage, mourning and death - thereby achieving greater insight about the beliefs, sentiments, status, and practices of their former owners. Since his first purchase in 1970, Benjamin Zucker has assembled one of the largest collections of Jewish marriage rings in private hands and a collection of diamond jewelry that is unrivaled, even by De Beers. With each ring selected for its exceptional quality of stones, rarity, and level of artistry, the collection features many fine examples of signet rings ranging from the 3rd to the 17th century; ancient Roman friendship and engagement rings; medieval posy rings; Renaissance and Baroque wedding rings; Jewish marriage rings, and memorial and death's head memento mori rings from the 17th to the 19th century. They include a significant grouping of precious diamond-set rings. Many boast provenances dating back generations to Europe's most prominent collecting families, including the de Clercqs and the Rothschilds. In this remarkable book, these rings are newly studied by experts, including an essay by Zucker himself. Ultimately, these exquisite jewels - many of which have been the subject of national and international museum exhibitions, loans, and publications - form a remarkable testament to the discerning eye of Benjamin Zucker.