Byzantine gold ring - 1.3 cm

Superb Byzantine ring, 5.6 grams of gold, crafted entirely from gold and dating from between the 5th and 6th centuries AD, is a remarkable example of refined Late Antique jewellery within the context of the Byzantine Empire, heir to the artistic and symbolic legacy of the Roman Empire. Weighing 5.6 grams and measuring a compact 1.3 x 1.7 x 2.1 cm, its excellent state of preservation allows for a clear appreciation of the details of its engraved iconography.

The ring features a smooth, circular band, decorated laterally with small soldered spheres that enhance its ornamental character. Its most distinctive feature is the large circular lip, which serves as the central element and support for the incised decoration. It features a central motif of strong symbolic significance: an equal-armed cross inscribed with the letters S and R, placed on the left and right sides respectively, while the letters above and below are more schematic but possibly represent P (above) and R, or a symbolic variant below, although their interpretation is not entirely clear. This arrangement is reminiscent of Christian Christogram inscriptions, where the cross is not only a religious symbol but also a sign of protection and power.

The presence of triangular elements on the right arm of the cross and the arrow- or hook-shaped terminations could be related to a local evolution of the Christogram (Chrismon), a very common representation in early Christian contexts, especially in epigraphy and Byzantine liturgical furnishings. The rustic typography and deep engraving suggest direct handcrafted production, which was common in jewellery for private use, possibly with an apotropaic (protective) or devotional purpose.

In this context, the ring could have belonged to a member of the urban aristocracy or an ecclesiastical figure, given the material value of gold and the weight of its Christian symbolism. In the Byzantine world, jewellery served not only aesthetic or economic functions, but also spiritual ones, acting as talismans or visible signs of religious affiliation. The use of gold reinforces this idea: in addition to being a noble metal, gold had a strong symbolic component of eternity and spiritual purity.

Similar works are preserved in collections such as those of the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the British Museum, where signet rings and pieces of Byzantine religious jewellery feature symbolic inscriptions or sacred images carved on circular lip plugs or in the form of carved gems. Likewise, there are interesting parallels with pieces found in funerary contexts in Asia Minor and North Africa, territories then under Byzantine control.

This ring, therefore, offers not only a window into the art of goldsmithing in the 6th century, but also into the intimate and everyday dimension of Christian religiosity in the Eastern Empire.

Acquired from a Spanish private collection, I.D.R in the 80's.
The piece includes an authenticity certificate.

The seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will ensure that any necessary permits are arranged; this process can take between 2 and 4 weeks.

IMPORTANT: Due to new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: Switzerland & United States of America.

For destinations outside European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive EXPORT LICENSE from the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between
4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subject to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed based on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather, different percentages are applied to sections of it.
Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.

Please note that for far destinations (Asia, Middle East, etc.), there will be an additional cost for shipping.


Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as an analysis of metals (XRF test), have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.