**First Time At Auction**

Central Europe, Frankish, Merovingian Dynasty, Migration Period, ca. 6th to 7th century CE. A beautiful gold and garnet ring, with a thick hexagonal band embellished with granulation. The bezel contains 4 garnet cabochons, one of the most popular stones used during this time period. The garnets are a deep red hue that appears black but glimmers a wine red in direct light. This exceptional piece is in a near perfect state of preservation and wearable! Size of bezel face: 0.9" Diameter (2.3 cm); band opening: 0.81" Diameter (2.1 cm); US ring size: 8.75; gold quality: 91% to 92.6% (equivalent to: 21k+); weight: 13.4 grams

Merovingian and other cultural styles from the period after the fall of the Roman Empire - variously referred to as the Dark Ages, the Migration Period, or, more archaically, the Period of Barbarian Invasions - appeal to us not only because of their extraordinary beauty, but because they are rarely seen today. The Merovingians were a Frankish dynasty who ruled a large portion of western and central Europe for approximately three hundred years. During that time, they practiced a pagan religion in which people were buried with vast wealth. For example, gold items like this one have been found in the tombs of warriors such as one in Vermand, France. Precious metal and red stones were often used in Migration period jewelry to denote the most elite individuals, inspired by contact with Greek colonies along the Black Sea, who in turn began to cater to pagan clients. The garnets themselves probably originated in Burma and traveled to European shores via India and the Silk Road.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#178209

One garnet has been replaced in recent times and is a darker coloration with light remains of adhesive to gold setting.