Easter Roman Empire (Byzantine), circa 500 AD
An unusual and historically important Byzantine gold (approximately 18.77 Kt) ring, featuring a box-shaped bezel set with a carnelian intaglio engraved with a Greek monogram. This particular style of monogram was very popular for a brief period around 500 AD.
The shank is constructed from seven oval gold panels, each separated by two small granules. Six panels are engraved with crosses, while the seventh, at the back of the ring, is left plain. The use of seven panels may carry sacred significance. Two comparable Byzantine gold rings with seven-panel construction and pairs of granules are in the British Museum.
Metal analysis: 78.23% gold, 14.37% silver, 7.07% copper, 0.33% zinc.
The carnelian intaglio measures 10 x 7 mm (3/8 x 2/8 in.)
Width of the shank is 8 mm (5/16 in.)
Weight is 7.72 grams
Ring size 8.5 (18 mm) resizable
Condition: some chips and a hairline crack to the intaglio, the gold setting is in a pristine condition.
