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Byzantine Gold Icon Ring, circa 6th-10th Century

About the Item

Byzantine gold icon ring. The central flat circular plaque engraved and with niello, finely depicting the image of Christ with halo between two crosses, all to a slim fully rounded wire shank. Tested yellow gold, approximately 4.9 grams in weight, circa 6th - 10th century, accompanied by an Oxford Labs X-ray fluorescence report stating the composition of the metal. By this point in time, the art of glyptography - engraving an intaglio onto a hardstone - had been virtually lost. The new technique was to engrave or niello the design directly onto the metal plaque. See Scarisbrick, D., 'Rings: Jewellery of Power, Love and Loyalty', 2007, p.134. We know that the figure depicted on this ring is Christ because of the type of halo shown. Christ's halo typically has three triple lines radiating from the head- symbolising the three dogmas of the Trinity. Other persons such as saints, the Virgin Mary, Byzantine Emperors and angels are usually depicted with a plain halo. Please note shipping to the United States of America requires the purchaser to fill out a CBP 5106 customs form before the item is shipped. This form is a legal requirement for any item over $2,000 which is being imported into the United States. One of the details the form requests is the purchaser’s social security number or importer’s number.
  • Ring Size:
    7.75 US, Resizable
  • Metal:
  • Style:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 6th - 10th century.
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 275561stDibs: LU18611653042

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