Near East, Byzantine Period, ca. 6th to 7th century CE. A gorgeous high-quality gold ring inlaid with a sizable beryl stone cut into a rhomboid shape. The 84.9% to 92.03% gold (equivalent to 20K+ to 22K+) shank widens at the shoulders, the peripheries of this area are scalloped and decorated with dark niello swirls in scrolling motifs. The lozenge face is accented with niello stippling around the lower edge of both sides, while the form fitting lip is smooth, firmly securing the polished beryl which displays lovely opaque mint and seafoam green hues. This exceptional piece is in a near perfect state of preservation and wearable - finely modelled and created by a skilled artisan to last long after the original wearer's life. Due to the ovoid shape of the band, the ring is not accurately measurable on ring sizer mandrel but is likely a US 9.5 to 10 ring size. Size of ring face: 1.14" L x 0.53" W (2.9 cm x 1.3 cm); band opening: 0.95" Diameter (2.4 cm); US ring size 9.5; gold quality: 84.9% to 92.03% (equivalent to 20K+ to 22K+); weight: 14.6 grams

Rings were of particularly high importance in the Byzantine era, as evidenced by this incredible example, and they generally were modeled after Roman styles using similar techniques, and Byzantine jewelry in turn influenced the Medieval world. Status has always been conveyed using jewelry, however the wealth and prosperity of the Byzantine Empire ensured the widespread ownership of finer jewelry - so much so, that when Emperor Justinian enacted the set of laws known as the Justinian Code, there was a specific decree that restricted certain precious stones to exclusively royal use, while every free man was entitled to a gold ring. The techniques and materials that went into this piece, all speak to the wealth of the wearer and skill of the artisans, adept at crafting jewelry from precious materials. Several types of green gemstones were referred to as "emeralds" in Byzantine empire, however beryl is a mineral that includes emeralds - green beryl and emerald differ in color and tone due to the presence of certain elements. In antiquity, beryl was considered to be a healing stone that had properties that could cure kidney, liver, and other intestinal illness.

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Provenance: private Boynton Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private London, UK collection

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#174605

Choice and wearable. Some losses to dark niello. Dark patina and some toning on gold. Age and use expected surface wear to the beryl stone, but intact and very good. Exceedingly rare and excellent condition!