Ca. 600-800 AD. A gold finger ring, characterized by a flat-section hoop with two external, horizontally oriented registers of ropework coils that gradually grow in size towards the expanded shoulders. The applied bezel of the ring features an openwork design made of five domes, which have been meticulously embellished with scroll work and filigree. The four domes at the base of the bezel provide a solid foundation for the structure, while the fifth dome crowns the entire structure, creating a visually stunning piece of jewellery. Gold was highly prized in the Byzantine Empire, and the use of gold in jewellery-making was seen as a mark of wealth and status. Many of the techniques used in Byzantine gold jewellery-making were influenced by the ancient Greek and Roman goldsmithing traditions. These techniques included granulation, filigree, and cloisonné, which were used to create intricate and highly detailed designs.Size: D: 19.10 / US: 9 1/8 / UK: S ; 15gProvenance: Private London collection.