Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine), circa 500 – 600 AD
This rare silver ring is a fine example of early Christian iconography in Byzantine jewelry. The round bezel is decorated with two angels with raised wings, bowing in veneration on either side of a cross, with a bust of Christ above. The design is executed in a punched technique.
The angels are flanked by the Greek letters “X” (Chi) and “P” (Rho), forming the Christogram, derived from the first two letters of Christ’s name in Greek, ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ.
The composition closely parallels that seen on a Byzantine gold pendant from the Ferrell Collection (see Treasures of the Ferrell Collection by Jeffrey Spier, p. 224).
Width of the bezel is 13 mm (1/2 in.)
Weight is 5.4 grams
Ring size 6 – 6.5 (17 mm) resizable
