Abstract
In medieval epics, jewellery often plays an important symbolic role. Whether it is the ring of an Arthurian demoiselle, the gem-encrusted luxury embroidery on fabrics for a royal coat or the decoration of precious arms, horses or other ‘commodities/functional objects/everyday items’ – like the Grail: Chrétien de Troyes always gives a detailed description of the material value and the artisanal production as well as of the meaning of these pieces made of precious metals and gems. Examples of precisely this will be provided from all the Arthurian romances by Chrétien de Troyes. These instances will show that his jewellery objects do indeed retain their symbolic and magical aura, but are also always based on the real medieval world of jewellery, and testify to the author’s solid knowledge of everyday culture.
© 2016 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
