Ok, let's start with the facts because there's a lot to get through. 
 
A beautiful Sardonyx seal set into heavy, solid 9ct gold. The seal when pressed into wax (or in my case, playdoh) reads 'SEANNACH ABBO' which we think (and when I say 'we' I mean a handful of antiques experts) is an old Gaelic spelling of the family name Shinnech. 
 
The surname Shinnech was first found in County Limerick in Ireland from very ancient times (approx 1630 - 1720). There are many many variations to this surname as people who were accounted for by scribes, often had their name recorded in many different ways because pronunciation was the only guide those scribes had to go by. Quite complicated, right?
 
Let's move onto the motif. We've got a shield with a lion underneath an arm going into battle, above the word ABBO, a war cry. What does this mean? Simply put, it's a show of brevity, of courage, of 'come on, let's go, we're not afraid'. A modern day 'come and have a go if you think you're hard enough' if you like.  
 
Without doubt this seal was worn as a show of unity, of togetherness, of strength in numbers and I absolutely love that sentiment.
 
It's impossible for me to date this ring because all we have is what I think is a Dublin makers mark active in around 1715 but it also could be a Sheffield makers mark active in 1977. I'll let you make your mind up.
 
I can offer a free size up on this piece to a maximum size UK H / US 4. Please leave me a note at checkout with your size requirements and allow 2 weeks.