Byzantine Gold and Garnet Ring

£ 2,750.00

An extremely fine Byzantine gold ring featuring a thin decorative band, now slightly misshapen due to age, with a large oval bezel. The bezel is adorned with a garnet intaglio inset. A cross has been carefully carved at the centre, framed by a wreath. Around the gold encasing is a band of small etchings decorating the bezel.

Closest UK ring size K

Date: Circa 6th-8th century AD
Provenance: From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s
Condition: Very fine condition, supplied with impression.

In stock

SKU: LD-579 Category: Tag:

Byzantine jewellery was a full continuation of the Roman traditions. Production in the old jewellery centres of Alexandria and Antioch gave way to an increased production in Constantinople. In the Byzantine Empire jewellery played an important role. It acted as a way to express ones status and as a diplomatic tool. The Church Fathers, such as Clement of Alexandria, discouraged the wearing of any jewellery at all. However, they did permit Christians to wear one ring: rings with the seal of a family, a wedding ring, or rings bearing Christian symbols and inscriptions were deemed acceptable.

To discover more about Byzantine jewellery, please visit our relevant blog post:The Byzantine Empire, Art and Christianity.

Weight 3.3 g
Dimensions W 2.1 cm
Culture

Metal

Semi-Precious Stones

Region

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