Act 3, Scene 1

The ring was Shylock's most prized possession. The ring was given to Shylock by his dead wife, Leah (Jessica's mother).We understand that although Shylock seems all about the money, the turquoise ring's value was sentimental. Jessica is not a very sympathetic character. Apperently she sells the ring for a monkey. It is almost like she knows how to destroy her father both financially and emotionally,

Out upon her! Thou torturest me, Tubal: it was my

turquoise; I had it of Leah when I was a bachelor:

I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys.