198.]

[Illustration: Fig. 199.]

With two specimens of modern French work we close our selection of
designs. Fig. 198 is a signet ring, the face engraved with a
coat-of-arms. At the sides two _cupidons_ repose amid scroll-work
partaking of the taste of the Renaissance. The same peculiarity
influences the design of Fig. 199. Here a central arch of five stones,
in separate settings, is held by the heads and outstretched wings of
_Chimeras_, whose breasts are also jewelled. Both are excellent designs.

[Illustration: Fig. 200.]

The last ring we shall bring before the reader's notice (Fig. 200) is
the famous "Fisherman's ring" of the Pope. It is a signet ring of steel
used for the briefs issued from the Romish Court. "When a brief is
written to any distinguished personage, or has relation to religious or
general important matter, the impression from the Fisherman's ring is
said to be made upon a gold surface; in some other cases it appears upon
lead; and these seals are generally attached by strings of silk.
Impressions of this seal are also made in ink direct upon the substance
on which the brief is written." Mr. Edwards calls attention to the
classic form of the boat and oar, showing direct derivation from an
antique original. The seal is also made in the fashion of a Roman
signet. A new one is made for every pope, and Mr. Edwards thus narrates
the ceremonies connected therewith:--"When a pope dies, the Cardinal
Chamberlain, or Chancellor, accompanied by a large number of the high
dignitaries of the papal court, comes into the room where the body lies,
and the principal or great notary makes an attestation of the
circumstance. Then the Cardinal Chamberlain calls out the name of the
deceased pope three times, striking the body each time with a gold
hammer, and as no response comes, the chief notary makes another
attestation. After this the Cardinal Chancellor demands the Fisherman's
ring, and certain ceremonies are performed over it; and then he strikes
the ring with a golden hammer, and an officer destroys the figure of
Peter by the use of a file. From this moment all the authority and acts
of the late pope pass to the College or Conclave of Cardinals. When a
new pope is consecrated, it is always the Cardinal Chancellor, or
Chamberlain, who presents the renewed Fisherman's ring, and this
presentation is accompanied by imposing ceremonies."

The facts we have gathered about finger-rings are scattered over the
hist