Possibly Northern Italy, circa 13th century AD
This exceptional high-karat gold ring (approximately 20.95 kt) is a striking example of Veneto-Byzantine medieval jewelry, distinguished by its high conical fluted bezel set with a deep red cabochon garnet. The bezel is flanked by two finely rendered mythical creatures, likely symbolic guardians, adding a sculptural and dynamic presence to the design.
The form and execution of this ring follow a stylistic lineage traceable to the 6th–7th centuries AD, as documented in Byzantium and the West: Jewelry in the First Millennium by Jeffrey Spier (p. 181), which records similar gold ring with animal-head terminals and garnet-set, cup-shaped bezel. Notably, the design is closely related to an example in the British Museum, found in Ravenna, northern Italy, and dated to the 12th century. That ring features a comparably tall and sharply fluted bezel.
In addition, parallels can be drawn to rings unearthed at Chalcis, a former Venetian colony on the Greek island of Euboea, also housed in the British Museum. These later examples, dated to the 14th–early 15th centuries, share ornamental characteristics but exhibit more ornate style. By contrast, the ring offered here aligns more closely with the 12th-century Ravenna prototype, distinguished by its bold, clean lines, and restrained yet elaborate craftsmanship.
The ring is superbly modeled, exhibiting a harmonious blend of form and symbolism. It remains in pristine, original condition—intact, wearable, and of museum quality. As such, it stands as a remarkable survivor of high medieval artistry.
Metal analysis: 87.31% gold, 6.54% silver, 6.15% copper.
Weight: 12.31 grams
Height of the setting is 16 mm (5/8 in.)
Diameter of the bezel is 12 mm (7/16 in.)
Ring size 8.5 (19 mm) resizable
