Near East, Byzantine Empire, probably earlier period, ca. 5th to 9th century CE. With the deep color and weight given to it by its 20 karat gold, this is a beautiful, solid ring with a thick band that flows into three wide panels, squared off on the exterior of the ring and rounded on the interior. Each panel has a motif of a cross with two abstract, symmetrical forms that resemble either doves or human figures with their arms raised, depending on the direction from which they are observed. These motifs are set against a background of incised lines, drawing the attention in each panel to the cross at its center. US size 8.75. Size: 1" W (2.5 cm); 10.5 g

Byzantine jewelry represents the wide reach and wealth of the Empire at its height. Gold to make jewelry and coinage was mined from Egypt, amongst other sources, and rings have been found throughout the Balkans. Mosaics depict people, especially in the early part of the Byzantine period, wearing an array of pearls, emeralds, and gold. Pliny records that, in an earlier time, gold was thought to have prophylactic power, and it seems likely that the Byzantines continued to hold this belief.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#124261

Light encrustation in grooves; motifs in excellent condition.