ca. 100 AD. Roman. A fine solid gold ring with a round band, flared shoulders, and an integral elliptical bezel decorated with an engraved menorah. Since biblical times, the seven-branched menorah has symbolized Judaism. It first appears in Exodus, as a lighting fixture within the Tabernacle, a sort of portable temple used by the Israelites during their desert wanderings. The menorah is described in Exodus in minute detail, based on a heavenly prototype. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK and European art market.Size: D: 18.6mm / US: 8 5/8 / UK: R; 7.58g