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. Ring with a decorated Byzantine glass bead with white, orange and yellow on a dark background. The ancient bead is set on a modern gold-plated ring and is free to rotate (swivel-type). Outside diameter: ± 22,9 mm Inside diameter: ± 19,9 - 16,6 mm Diameter bead: ± 6,6 mm maximum Certificate: Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher. Condition: Good condition and wearable. The ancient bead is restrung and combined with modern gold-plated spacer beads and fittings. Minor surface irregularities and signs of wear consistent with age and use. Provenance: Composed of beads originating from various old collections, acquired in the UK between 2016–2024. Character: Each ancient bead displays subtle variations and signs of age, reflecting its long history and adding to the unique charm of every composition. Please note: Photographed in a professional studio against a deep black background to enhance contrast and detail. Studio lighting and individual screen settings may slightly affect the appearance of colours. Historical background: Glass has existed in natural forms since prehistoric times; however, humans first began producing glass around 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia, when craftsmen discovered how to combine sand, soda and lime. For centuries, glass remained a luxury material reserved for the upper classes. Across the Mediterranean world, glassmakers developed techniques such as casting, core-forming and mosaic glass, while experimenting with colours using metallic oxides including cobalt and copper. The Romans adopted glassmaking following the conquest of Egypt in the 1st century BC. During the 1st century AD, the invention of glassblowing revolutionised production, allowing for larger-scale manufacturing. By adding manganese dioxide, Roman glassmakers were able to produce colourless or ‘aqua’ glass. Roman glass became highly popular and was widely used for beads, vessels, mosaic tiles and window panes. It was traded throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, reaching regions such as Central Africa, Scandinavia and, via the Silk Road, as far as China.