A lovely Western Asiatic gold ring, set with a rhombic banded agate. The ring is formed of a round-section gold hoop which tapers slightly towards the bezel. The agate showcases delicate curved banding and a variety of internal hues from off-white to deep burgundy. The stone is smooth and gently curved on both faces, it is encapsulated by a thin flat gold band around its edge. Opposite the bezel is a circular gold granule, flattened on one side. The design of this lower half of the ring is reminiscent of earring designs from the period. The gold band around the agate is slightly warped but otherwise the ring is in good condition. There are some traces of clear adhesive around the stone, suggesting the stone might have been reset. Many grand civilizations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity is witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold would have been hammered down to a thin layer and manipulated into different shapes. Gold and silver jewellery would have featured gold granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Very fine granulation along with filigree, were at the centre of Near Eastern and Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. Closest UK ring size: F Measurements: W 1.7cm x L 2.3cm Weight: 2.53g Provenance: Collection of a deceased Japanese collector, 1970-2015.