Early Medieval Frankish Gold Architectural Ring, Arcaded Bezel
Western Europe, Frankish Kingdoms, Merovingian period, ca. 500–700 CE. A small finger ring of high-carat gold, about 19.5 karats (81.3 percent gold), in the "architectural" type. The band is plain and smoothly hammered, broadening slightly at the shoulders. It rises into a tall bezel built like a tiny tower. At its base is an openwork collar of arches, with clusters of fine granules at each joint, like the capitals and finials of a colonnade. Above this sits a cylindrical stem that flares into a shallow, cup-like setting. The goldsmith's skill shows in the granulation and in the airy open frame, which are typical of elite Frankish jewelry. Rings like this marked rank and wealth. Its small size suggests it may have been worn by a woman or child, or above the knuckle. Size of band: 0.13" W x 0.49" Diam (0.3 cm W x 1.2 cm Diam); bezel: 0.3" H x 0.25" L x 0.25" W (0.8 cm H x 0.6 cm L x 0.6 cm W); US ring size: 1; gold quality: 81.3% (19.5 karat); weight: 4.6 grams.
Scholars use the name "architectural ring" for a group of early medieval rings whose bezels rise above the hoop on raised, arcaded supports, so the setting looks like a small building or reliquary tower. The form grew out of Late Roman and Byzantine jewelry. In the Frankish kingdoms of the 6th and 7th centuries, Merovingian goldsmiths reworked it with their own fondness for granulation and filigree.
Gold rings of this quality were costly. They usually turn up in richly furnished burials alongside brooches, belt fittings, and imported goods. They are generally read as badges of high social standing and not as everyday ornaments.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired by family descent; originally acquired in the 1980s
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #205479
Condition
Some light surface wear as shown, but, otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable with scattered earthen encrustations in recessed areas.
Western Europe, Frankish Kingdoms, Merovingian period, ca. 500–700 CE. A small finger ring of high-carat gold, about 19.5 karats (81.3 percent gold), in the "architectural" type. The band is plain and smoothly hammered, broadening slightly at the shoulders. It rises into a tall bezel built like a tiny tower. At its base is an openwork collar of arches, with clusters of fine granules at each joint, like the capitals and finials of a colonnade. Above this sits a cylindrical stem that flares into a shallow, cup-like setting. The goldsmith's skill shows in the granulation and in the airy open frame, which are typical of elite Frankish jewelry. Rings like this marked rank and wealth. Its small size suggests it may have been worn by a woman or child, or above the knuckle. Size of band: 0.13" W x 0.49" Diam (0.3 cm W x 1.2 cm Diam); bezel: 0.3" H x 0.25" L x 0.25" W (0.8 cm H x 0.6 cm L x 0.6 cm W); US ring size: 1; gold quality: 81.3% (19.5 karat); weight: 4.6 grams.
Scholars use the name "architectural ring" for a group of early medieval rings whose bezels rise above the hoop on raised, arcaded supports, so the setting looks like a small building or reliquary tower. The form grew out of Late Roman and Byzantine jewelry. In the Frankish kingdoms of the 6th and 7th centuries, Merovingian goldsmiths reworked it with their own fondness for granulation and filigree.
Gold rings of this quality were costly. They usually turn up in richly furnished burials alongside brooches, belt fittings, and imported goods. They are generally read as badges of high social standing and not as everyday ornaments.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired by family descent; originally acquired in the 1980s
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #205479
Condition
Some light surface wear as shown, but, otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable with scattered earthen encrustations in recessed areas.
