Ca. 600-700 AD. A red stone intaglio, engraved with a monogram consisting of various letters. The ring itself, made of gold and featuring a simple yet elegant design, might be of a later period. Monograms were an essential aspect of Byzantine culture, serving as a symbol of power, prestige, and influence. The use of monograms in Byzantine art and literature was widespread, with emperors, nobles, and other high-ranking officials utilizing them to mark their possessions and assert their authority. Monograms were also used in religious contexts, representing the names of saints and other holy figures.Size: D: 16.10mm / US: 5 1/2 / UK: L; 8.26gProvenance: Private London collection.