Near East / Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 9th to early 13th century CE. A pretty, clearly ancient ring, made of a wide 22K gold band that flows into wide, hollow shoulders. Inlaid in the center of the ring is a beautiful pink / lavender quartz crystal; four applied gold prongs hold the stone in place. Size of ring: 1" L x .750" W (2.5 cm x 1.9 cm); size of stone: .625" L x .625" W (1.6 cm x 1.6 cm); US size 4.25; 4.3 grams

During the 7th to 9th centuries, the Byzantine Empire was in a state of economic and social crisis, repeatedly rocked by invasions, plagues, famines, and other disasters - a time period often called "The Dark Ages." Emerging from that period, it seems that the people of the Byzantine Empire wished to flaunt their wealth and embellish themselves with beautiful things. Both male and female graves from this period are full of beautiful jewelry like this ring.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#127402

Ring has slight bending to form and light corrosion on surface. Tiny scratches on stone surface, especially at edges. Wearable!