Circa 600-800 AD A Byzantine gold ring featuring a discoid bezel joined to a solid round-section hoop and decorated with a religious inscription in Greek. Following the trends set by the Romans, Byzantine jewellery became a continuation of Roman jewellery traditions. As in many other cultures throughout Antiquity, Byzantine jewellery acted not only as an embellishment, but most importantly as a direct display of someone’s wealth and social status. Byzantine rings were often engraved with religious images and served as personal, miniature icons. For similar see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art 18.145.42. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. Size: D: 18.8mm / US: 8 7/8 / UK: R 1/2; 9.6g Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.