A Bactrian bronze ring featuring a round hoop with a wide band, and a large raised trumpet bezel. The bezel flares out slightly towards the flattened rim at the top, and has been set with a carnelian intaglio decorated with a carved inscription. The carnelian might have been re-set later in antiquity. Trails of bronze granules enrich the shoulders surrounding the bezel. A dark patination and earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as chips to the edges of the ring, surface pitting, and minor scratches. Bactria or Bactriana was an ancient country situated between the Hindu Kush and Amu Darya mountains. Its relevance centred around 600 BCE and 600 CE, as it served as a significant meeting place for Western and Eastern trade routes as well as being a central location for religious and artistic ideas. This meant large scale migration and resettlement of communities which resulted in a large circulation of new cultures and languages and an accumulation of vast wealth. Jewellery is such a wealth gained; this rings poses as a suitable example. Measurements: (circa) L 2.3cm x W 1.3cm x H 3cm Internal diameter: (circa) 1.9cm Closest UK ring size: P Provenance: Private London collection, ex Parthenon Gallery, 1990-2017.