Byzantine Gold Child's Ring with Turquoise (No Reserve Price)

A delicate Byzantine gold ring featuring a round turquoise stone set in a raised gold bezel attached to a round shank. The bezel tapers upwards to create a pyramidal centrepiece. The inner diameter of the ring is circa 1cm. The small size of the ring suggests that it was most likely made for a child. Minor signs of wear on the surface.

Byzantine jewellery was a full continuation of the Roman traditions. Production in the old jewellery centres of Alexandria and Antioch gave way to an increased production in Constantinople. In the Byzantine Empire jewellery played an important role. It acted as a way to express ones status and as a diplomatic tool. The Church Fathers, such as Clement of Alexandria, discouraged the wearing of any jewellery at all. However, they did permit Christians to wear one ring: rings with the seal of a family, a wedding ring, or rings bearing Christian symbols and inscriptions were deemed acceptable.

Measurements: Circa L 1. 4cm x W 1. 1cm, inner diameter circa 1cm
Weight: 0. 63g

Provenance: Private collection, Japanese gentleman (deceased) 1970-2010.