Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine), circa 500 – 600 AD
This exquisite Byzantine high-karat gold ring (approximately 20.11 kt) of traditional form features a plain rounded shank and an oval bezel flanked by two gold pellets. The bezel is finely engraved with a standing guardian angel shown frontally, holding a long cross and a globus cruciger – the orb surmounted by a cross symbolizing Christian authority.
The engraved composition closely echoes iconography found on the coinage of Emperor Justinian I (r. 527–565), where similarly rendered frontal angels appear as imperial symbols of divine protection and power.
The ring is preserved in excellent original condition.
Metal analysis: 83.83% gold, 14.51% silver, 1.66% copper.
Two closely related Byzantine rings of this type, similarly engraved with standing angels, are published in Byzantine and Early Medieval Antiquities in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection, Volume II, nos. 62 and 63.
The engraved bezel measures 13 x 11 mm (1/2 x 7/16 in.)
Weight is 5.33 grams
Ring size 9 (19 mm) resizable
