Celtic Silver Spiral Ring
Opens 19:00
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 250 - € 330
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Description from the seller
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
A rare Celtic silver ring composed of two thick silver wires which have been expertly shaped into a series of symmetrical spirals. One wire forms the circular hoop and continues into a series of pronounced scrolls across the upper section. A second wire is applied to create additional opposing scrolls, producing a layered openwork effect. The terminals of the applied wire are tightly wrapped around the hoop, securing the decorative construction.
The strong spiral motif is characteristic of Celtic artistic tradition, particularly the La Tène style, where flowing curvilinear ornament and continuous looping forms dominate metalwork design.
Outside diameter: ± 25,3 mm
Inside diameter: ± 16,2 - 22,3 mm
Condition: intact and wearable condition. Surface wear consistent with age and use. Areas of patination and minor surface irregularities visible. The decorative scroll element remains securely attached to the hoop.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF-format): available upon request.
Spiral ornament is one of the defining features of Celtic art, symbolising continuity, movement and vitality. Such motifs appear widely in Celtic metalwork, from torcs and brooches to personal jewellery.
Pieces of this type illustrate the blending of indigenous Celtic artistic traditions with the broader cultural world of the Roman period, particularly in frontier and provincial regions.
Throughout history, the spiral has been a highly valued design in Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Viking art, and continues to be appreciated to this day.
MATERIAL
This object has been carefully examined with regard to its material composition and surface characteristics.
Specialised laboratory analysis such as metallurgical testing (e.g. XRF) is not routinely undertaken in private collecting and is more commonly associated with academic or institutional research.
Destructive testing methods (such as acid testing) permanently damage the object’s surface and are not appropriate for archaeological material.
Historically, modern hallmarking systems did not exist. The alloy composition of gold and silver could vary depending on local resources, trade networks, recycling practices and prevailing economic conditions.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
A rare Celtic silver ring composed of two thick silver wires which have been expertly shaped into a series of symmetrical spirals. One wire forms the circular hoop and continues into a series of pronounced scrolls across the upper section. A second wire is applied to create additional opposing scrolls, producing a layered openwork effect. The terminals of the applied wire are tightly wrapped around the hoop, securing the decorative construction.
The strong spiral motif is characteristic of Celtic artistic tradition, particularly the La Tène style, where flowing curvilinear ornament and continuous looping forms dominate metalwork design.
Outside diameter: ± 25,3 mm
Inside diameter: ± 16,2 - 22,3 mm
Condition: intact and wearable condition. Surface wear consistent with age and use. Areas of patination and minor surface irregularities visible. The decorative scroll element remains securely attached to the hoop.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF-format): available upon request.
Spiral ornament is one of the defining features of Celtic art, symbolising continuity, movement and vitality. Such motifs appear widely in Celtic metalwork, from torcs and brooches to personal jewellery.
Pieces of this type illustrate the blending of indigenous Celtic artistic traditions with the broader cultural world of the Roman period, particularly in frontier and provincial regions.
Throughout history, the spiral has been a highly valued design in Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Viking art, and continues to be appreciated to this day.
MATERIAL
This object has been carefully examined with regard to its material composition and surface characteristics.
Specialised laboratory analysis such as metallurgical testing (e.g. XRF) is not routinely undertaken in private collecting and is more commonly associated with academic or institutional research.
Destructive testing methods (such as acid testing) permanently damage the object’s surface and are not appropriate for archaeological material.
Historically, modern hallmarking systems did not exist. The alloy composition of gold and silver could vary depending on local resources, trade networks, recycling practices and prevailing economic conditions.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Details
Culture
Celtic
Century/timeframe
200-100 BC
Name of object
Spiral Ring
Acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Year acquired
2025
Material
Silver
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
