Design for a Ring Watch, Plate 32 from Livre d'Aneaux d'Orfevrerie 1561

Pierre Woeiriot de Bouzey II created this design for a ring watch; plate 32 from Livre d'Aneaux d'Orfevrerie. Although undated, the print reflects the intricate metalwork designs that were popular in the 16th century. The ring is not just an accessory, it is a symbol of status and identity. Note the ram’s heads on either side, and the clock face which denotes wealth, education, and access to technology. In a world where time was becoming increasingly regimented, owning such a piece speaks volumes. Consider the cultural context, a time of exploration, scientific advancement, and growing global trade, where even the concept of time becomes a commodity. This piece embodies both personal adornment and societal power structures. It makes me wonder, what does time mean to us today, and how do our accessories reflect our place in the world?