Aquitaine Sundial Ring

Unlike sundials which mark time with a shadow, the Aquitaine and use a focused ray of sunlight, that falls on the inside of the ring to mark the passage of time. On sunny days the time is displayed by suspending the ring by its cord. Through a tiny hole, a bright bead of light shines on the inner surface of the ring where the times of the day are engraved. The bronze outer band is adjustable to place the hole in the right position for each month.

In 1152, Eleanor of Aquitaine gave a sundial ring to Henry II so that he would know when to leave the hunt for their love trysts. Moved by her love, Henry ordered his jewellers to make a copy for Eleanor – inlaid with diamonds and engraved with the Latin words Carpe diem (seize the day).

• Made of solid pewter and bronze, it is 1-1/4" in diameter
• On a long leather cord to wear around your neck