Near East, Persia / Iran, Sassanian (Sasanian) Empire, ca. 4th to 7th century CE. A beautiful Sassanian silver ring with a hematite intaglio of either a Royal figure or a noble, carrying a ceremonial torch set in a 94.5% to 97.1% sterling silver bezel. The entire shank of the ring has been wrapped with thin, ridged sterling silver wire that was soldered onto the solid silver bezel verso. The rectangular bezel sides have been adorned with decorative motifs and volutes, that extend upwards as thick prongs to secure the intaglio in place. The lustrous black stone is elongated and faceted with an octagon cut, the bearded figure is etched in profile facing right, a torch clearly held in his hand. This is a substantial ring in near immaculate condition that is wearable! Size of signet face: 0.66" L x 0.56" W (1.7 cm x 1.4 cm); band opening: 0.7" L (1.8 cm); US ring size: 7.5; silver quality: 94.5% to 97.1%; weight: 11.4 grams

The Sasanian Empire (also called Sassanid, Sasanid, or Sassanian) is generally regarded as the highlight of ancient Iranian civilization and was the final pre-Islamic empire of Persia. It was established by Ardeshir I, the son of Papak and descendant of Sasan, in 224 CE. This empire came to an end in 651 CE. The Sasanians thought of themselves as the rightful private successors to the Achaemenid Persians.

Provenance: private Boynton Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private Dr. Yahya Jafar collection, Muscat, Oman, assembled between the early 1960s and late 1990s

#174607

Some softening to cast motifs on bezel and nicks to silver bezel and prongs. Intaglio stone is intact and secure in bezel. Some gaps and softening to wrapped wire band, but intact and well preserved! Overall choice and excellent condition.