Easter Roman Empire (Byzantine), circa 600 – 700 AD
Crafted in high karat gold (approximately 22.23 kt), this exceptional Byzantine ring is centered with an oval plaque decorated in niello with an image of Christ. He is depicted with a cross nimbus, holding the Book of Gospels in one hand and raising the other in blessing. Christ wears a tunic with long, flowing tails of drapery extending from the sleeves.
Two closely related niello rings of the same period, in the renowned Dumbarton Oaks Collection, depict the Virgin Hodegetria holding the Christ Child. These museum examples are stylistically very close to the present ring, sharing the same oval form, engraved and nielloed decoration, and one example has a similar plain octagonal shank. The Virgin on those rings is likewise shown with long sleeve drapery.
The ring is remarkably well preserved, with its goldwork solid and the design fully intact, making it both a historically significant artifact and a wearable piece of early Byzantine craftsmanship.
Metal analysis: 92.64% gold, 6.40% silver, 0.96% copper
The oval gold plaque measures 15 x 11 mm (9/16 x 7/16 in.)
Weight is 7.14 grams
Ring size 8.5 (19 mm) resizable
