Roman Empire, circa 400–500 AD
This small yet very fine early Christian ring is crafted in high-karat gold and bezel-set with a cabochon garnet intaglio engraved with a Chi-Rho monogram of Jesus Christ, framed by a laurel wreath.
The Chi-Rho symbol (☧), formed from the Greek letters Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ), is one of the earliest monograms for Jesus Christ and a powerful emblem of early Christianity.
Garnet became especially popular in Late Antiquity and the early medieval period, to which this ring is dated. Although modest in size, the garnet intaglio is of exceptional quality and was engraved by a highly skilled gem cutter. It is markedly superior to most Chi-Rho intaglios illustrated in Late Antique and Early Christian Gems by Jeffrey Spier.
The intaglio measures 8 x 7 mm (5/16 x 1/4 in.)
Weight is 2.22 grams
Condition: The gold ring is structurally solid and fully wearable. There is a tiny chip to the garnet intaglio on the rim at the 2 o’clock position, unnoticeable to the naked eye.
Approximate ring size is 6.25 (resizable)