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Click here to subscribe1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with D-shaped loop, and raised, oval-shaped bezel bearing two rows of incised hatched decoration separated by straight horizontal lines. This item probably served as a signet ring used to seal letters or other documents and may have belonged to a Roman merchant. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:14mm/L:18mm; 4g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Bronze ring formed from a single band with a round hoop bearing incised decoration comprised of alternating diagonal plain and meandering bands. This simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking warrior. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:18.5mm/L:23mm; 2.5g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1970s on the UK and European art market.
1-300 AD, Roman. Hexagonal silver ring with etched decoration on the shoudler and an oval-shaped carneilian intaglio with 'dextrarum iunctio' ('joining together of the right hands') motif. In the fine arts, this motif is the representation of two people offering each other their right hand and is symbol of union and marriage, perhaps indicating that this item was a Roman wedding ring. Good condition, wearable. Size: D:18.5mm/L:22mm/W:29mm/18mm (imprint); 10g. Provenance: From the private collection of a Kent gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK /European art markets.
1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with circular loop and raised, oval-shaped bezel bearing incised intersecting hatch decoration. This item probably served as a signet ring used to seal letters or other documents and may have belonged to a Roman merchant. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:17mm/L:23mm; 4.5g. Provenance: From the private collection of a Central London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/European art market before 2000.
C. 1500 AD, Persian. Silver ring with D-shaped hoop and hexagonal bezel. The shoulders of the hoop bear buta designs and the bezel features an Arabic or Persian inscription. The boteh (Persian: ????), or buta (Azerbaijani: Buta) is an almond or pine cone-shaped motif in ornament with a sharp-curved upper end, symbolising fire. Good condition. Size: D:18mm/L:21mm; 4g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK and European art market.
1000-1500 AD, Medieval Crusader period. Silver ring with D-shaped hoop and circular bezel featuring an elaboarate incised cross. The Cross, the principal symbol of Christianity, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians. The cross that the Crusaders wore on their robes was a symbol of martyrdom, and to die in combat was considered a great honour that assured a place in heaven. Good condition. Size: D:19mm/L:23mm; 7.5g. Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970-80s then passed by descent.
1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with a circular loop formed from a thick, flat-sectioned, flaring band. In the thickest part of a band is set an agate intaglio bearing a depiction of a bird. This item probably served as a signet ring used to seal letters or other documents and may have belonged to a Roman merchant. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:17mm/L:20mm; 3g. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.
c. 900 AD, Viking Age. A substantial bronze ring formed by the continued twisting of a single bronze rod. This ring would have taken many hours to make, due to the need to continually anneal (reheat) the metal during the twisting stage in order to remove the tension from the metal's molecular surface and prevent breakage. Good condition. Size: D:17mm/L:24mm; 7g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
c. 1200 - 1500 AD, Medieval. Silver ring with D-shaped hoop with ornate draped decoration and flattened, polygonal bezel featuring an incised star of David. The Star of David, known in Hebrew as the Shield of David or Magen David, is a generally recognized symbol of modern Jewish identity and Judaism. Its shape is that of a hexagram, the compound of two equilateral triangles. Kabbalists popularized the use of the symbol as a protection against evil spirits. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:20.5mm/L:23mm; 5.5g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1970s on the UK and European art market.
ca.600-800AD, Saxon period. Striking bronze ring with circular hoop and trumpet bezel enclosing a dark green glass setting secured by four 'arms'. This item have been worn by an individual with some disposable wearlth a sign of their status in Saxon society. Good, wearable. Size: D:18mm/L:27mm; 3.5g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Bronze ring formed from a single band with a round hoop and flaring bezel bearing incised decoration comprised of vertical bands. This simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking warrior. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:19.5mm/L:24mm; 5g. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK art market.
c. 900-1100 AD. Viking age. A beautiful bronze dragon’s foot amulet comprised of four applied spheroid decorations with highly ornamented faux-woven borders, and four triangular charms suspended from the openwork suspension loops. In Norse mythology, Fáfnir (Old Norse and Icelandic) or Frænir is a son of the dwarf king Hreidmar and brother of Regin , Ótr, Lyngheiðr and Lofnheiðr. After being affected by the curse of Andvari’s ring and gold, Fafnir became a dragon and was slain by the brave hero Sigurd. The wearable reminder of this myth would have inspired bravery in Viking warriors. Good condition. Size: 45mmx38mm;27gr. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.
C. 1200-1600. Medieval. Bronze ring with circular hoop, gently flaring shoulders and an oval bezel. The bezel bears incised decoration in the form of a crowned two headed eagle framed by a crimped border. Heraldry, or the use of an inherited coat of arms, was a means by which to display personal identity and familial relations. This tradition began c. 12th century AD in battlefield contexts were elites needed a symbol to display in order to be easily recognizable even when their faces were obscured by armour. By the 13th century AD this practice was adopted by nobles and knights who took immense pride in their family arms and colours. The heraldic ring was a key part of this personal branding as it allowed the owner to stamp their coat of arms on their correspondences. Good Condition. Wearable. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 5gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
C. 1100, Viking Age. A heavy silver ring is comprised of a circular hoop with flaring shoulders and a round bezel bearing incised decoration in the form of a ship and a sea-serpent surrounded by a circular frame. This ring was probably intended to evoke the mythical beast Jörmungandr. In Norse mythology,Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;” Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beast”), also called the “Midgard Serpent,” is a snake or dragon who lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard, the visible world. He was so enormous that his body forms a circle around the entirety of Midgard. He is one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir. Good condition. Wearable. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 3gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
1200-1600 AD. Medieval / possibly British. Bronze ring with D-shaped hoop, gently flaring shoulders and an oval bezel. The bezel bears incised decoration in the form a crowned lion holding a sword surrounded by a crimped border. The shoulders bear incised linear decoration. Heraldry, or the use of an inherited coat of arms, was a means by which to display personal identity and familial relations. This tradition began c. 12th century AD in battlefield contexts were elites needed a symbol to display in order to be easily recognizable even when their faces were obscured by armour. By the 13th century AD this practice was adopted by nobles and knights who took immense pride in their family arms and colours. The heraldic ring was a key part of this personal branding as it allowed the owner to stamp their coat of arms on their correspondences. Good condition. Wearable. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 6gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.
c. 1000-1100 AD. Viking age. A beautiful silver ring with a circular hoop and round bezel bearing incised decoration in the form of a hunter and a dragon, probably Sigurd and Fáfnir. In Norse mythology, Fáfnir (Old Norse and Icelandic) or Frænir is a son of the dwarf king Hreidmar and brother of Regin , Ótr, Lyngheiðr and Lofnheiðr. After being affected by the curse of Andvari’s ring and gold, Fafnir became a dragon and was slain by the brave hero Sigurd. The wearable reminder of this myth would have inspired bravery in Viking warriors. Good condition. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 4gr. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
C. 900 AD, Viking Age. A silver ring with a circular-shaped hoop and a round bezel set with a green gem secured by four additional 'arms.' This simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking warrior. Good condition. Size: 17mm;US 7.5 UK P; 2gr. Provenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman; previously in an old British Collection, formed in the 1980s.
1-300 AD, Roman. Gold ring with a circular hoop, coiled decoration on the shoulders and an oval-shaped intaglio with 'dextrarum iunctio' ('joining together of the right hands') motif. In the fine arts, this motif is the representation of two people offering each other their right hand and is symbol of union and marriage, perhaps indicating that this item was a Roman wedding ring. Superb condition, wearable. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 3gr. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1990s.
Ca.100 AD, Roman Amazing intact intaglio gold ring comprising diamond-shaped hoop with crimped decoration and raised bezel with red stone intaglio (probably carnelian), depicting the helmeted god Mars in profile. In ancient Roman religion and myth, Mars was the god of war and also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He was second in importance only to Jupiter and he was the most prominent of the military gods in the religion of the Roman army. Most of his festivals were held in March, the month named for him, and in October, which began the season for military campaigning and ended the season for farming. Good, wearable condition. Size: D:15 mm; US 4: UK H; 9.80 g. Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed before 2000.
Ca.100 AD, Roman. Well-preserved gold intaglio ring comprising circular hoop with incised decoration and applied spherical baubles. The raised bezel comprises corded border and a red stone intaglio (probably carnelian), depicting the helmeted god Mars in profile. In ancient Roman religion and myth, Mars was the god of war and also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He was second in importance only to Jupiter and he was the most prominent of the military gods in the religion of the Roman army. Most of his festivals were held in March, the month named for him, and in October, which began the season for military campaigning and ended the season for farming. Good, wearable condition. Size: D: 17mm;US 7.5 UK P; 3gr. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1970s.
Ca 1-300 AD, Roman. A bronze ring with a thick circular hoop, flattened, rectangular bezel and perpendicular projecting key featuring an openwork labyrinth design. Keys rings were used to open chests, boxes, and caskets, although they sometimes served ceremonial or decorative purposes, such as matron keys, and votive offerings. Key rings were also a subtle status symbol implying that the wearer had valuable assets to protect. Good condition, wearable. Size: 15mm; US 4.5 UK I1\2; 8gr. Provenance: From the private collection of a Cambridgeshire gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets.
2000-1000 BC, Luristani. Bronze ring comprising a circular hoop with a flattened section bearing incised linear decoration and large applied circular bezel with raised sun motif. The sun is commonly depicted in Bronze Age art and seems to have been a powerful symbol of fertility and the passage of time. However, the sun was not just a natural phenomenon but was often viewed as a god in many Bronze Age societies. Good condition. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 14gr. Provenance: From the private collection of an Essex gentleman; previously in an old British Collection, formed in the 1990s.
200-100 BC, Celtic Iron Age. Beautiful example of Celtic Iron Age snake ring, comprising a twisted loop and stylised serpentine head/tail terminals. The head has well-modelled featurese including prominent eyes and nostrils. Snakes were believed to possess healing powers in thee ancient world, which may help to explain the choice of this form. Good condition; beautiful patina. Size: 24mm; 7gr. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A bronze coiled ring intended to evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;” Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beast”), also called the “Midgard Serpent,” is a snake or dragon who lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard, the visible world. He was so enormous that his body forms a circle around the entirety of Midgard. He is one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir. Good condition. Size: 23mm; 9gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
1-300 AD, Roman. Bronze ring with circular hoop and octagonal bezel with incised decoration depicting a beast of unclear identification. Perhaps the property of a Roman soldier, who may have used it to sign and seal his letters. Good, wearable condition. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 5gr. Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK art market.
1200-1600 AD. Medieval. Bronze ring with circular hoop, gently flaring shoulders and an oval bezel. The bezel bears incised decoration in the form a bird siting atop a column surrounded by a vegetal motif. Heraldry, or the use of an inherited coat of arms, was a means by which to display personal identity and familial relations. This tradition began c. 12th century AD in battlefield contexts were elites needed a symbol to display in order to be easily recognizable even when their faces were obscured by armour. By the 13th century AD this practice was adopted by nobles and knights who took immense pride in their family arms and colours. The heraldic ring was a key part of this personal branding as it allowed the owner to stamp their coat of arms on their correspondences. Good Condition. Wearable. Size: 17mm;US 7.5 UK P; 6gr. Provenance: Private collection of an Oxford professional, formed in the 1970s-1990s on the UK art market.
1200-1400 AD, Late Byzantine. Bronze ring with circular hoop featuring incised star-in-circle decoration and oval bezel featuring a Greek inscription. The inscription probably includes an abbreviated name of its owner's name in the first line (NI for Nikator), suggesting it may have belonged to a pilgrim to the Holy Land during the later Middle Ages. Good condition. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 6gr. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
1300-1400 AD, Late Medieval. Silver ring with circular hoop and raised decoration on the shoulders. The lozenge-shaped bezel encloses a beautiful light blue glass inlay. Probably the property of a medieval noblelady. Excellent, wearable condition. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 4gr. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
1-300 AD, Roman. Silver ring with circular hoop, shoulders with incised chevron decoration and raised, rectangular bezel with abstract incised decoration. Excellent, wearable condition. Size: 18mm; US 8 UK Q; 4gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
1-300 AD, Roman. Gold ring with a circular hoop formed from a thick, flat-sectioned, flaring band with incised linear decorations bearing a red intaglio with an incised scorpion (legionary symbol). Good condition. Wearable. Size: 15mm; US 4.5 UK I1\2; 4gr. Provenance: Property of an established London gallery; acquired from a private estate collection formed before 2000.
c. 1-300 AD. Roman. A heavy silver ring with a D-shaped hoop comprised of two stylised dolphins touching noses. This item probably adorned the hand of a Roman merchant whose goods were shipped by sea. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: 20mm;US 10 UK U 1/2; 5gr. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
c. 1000-1500 AD. Medieval. A silver ring with a round hoop and a circular bezel bearing incised decoration in the form of a ship and sailors. This item may have belonged to a merchant who made his fortune in shipping. Good condition. Size: 18mm; US 8 UK Q; 2gr. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.
c. 1-300 AD. Roman. A beautiful bronze ring comprising a circular, flat-sectioned band with an applied phallus and incised decoration on the uppermost portion of the shoulders. Phallic charms, often winged, were ubiquitous in Roman culture and relate to the fascinus or fascinum which was the embodiment of the divine phallus. The word can refer to the deity himself (Fascinus), to phallus effigies and amulets, and to the spells used to invoke his divine protection against evil. Good Condition. Wearable. Size: 19.6mm, US 9 1/2, UK T; 6gr. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
1000-1200 AD, Norman. Rare bronze ring with circular hoop and round bezel bearing incised decoration described within a circle. The decoration comprises a detailed horse in motion against a vegetal background. The Normans were a people descended from the Vikings, who came to settle Northern France, before carving out kingdoms for themselves in Britain and Sicily. They were fearsome fighters just like their Viking ancestors, and revelled in their military prowess. This item may have belonged to one such Norman warrior. Good, wearable condition. Size: D: 20.6mm, US: 11, UK: V1/2; 10.1g. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1970s
C. 1300-1400 AD, Medieval British. Rare gold ring with circular hoop, square trumpet bezel and square emerald setting surrounded by elegant granulated decoration. This gorgeous piece probably belonged to a Medieval noblelady from the British Isles to underline her status and importance within contemporary. society. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: D: 16.5mm, US: 6, UK: L1/2; 10.49g. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed before 2000.
c. 350-100 BC. Ancient Hellenistic. A heavy gold ring with a D-shaped band and an almond-shaped bezel bearing an incised image of a muse. The Muses were the inspirational goddesses of the arts, literature and science. These goddesses were especially important to the ancient Greeks who considered themselves to be the centre of civilisation and culture. Good condition. Wearable Size: D:18 mm;US 8.5; UK Q; 12.90 g. Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed in the 1980s.
c. 1-300 AD. Roman. A Roman elliptical amethyst intaglio bearing an incised portrait of Zeus set into a later gold ring with a D-shaped band and a circular bezel. Zeus, the god of the sky, lightning and thunder, was also the king of the gods. He was the most important god in the Greco-Roman Pantheon and was as celebrated as he was feared. Good condition. Wearable Size: D:18 mm; US 8.5; UK Q; 4.44g. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1980s.
c. 1-300 AD. Roman. A heavy gold ring with a D-shaped hoop and a circular bezel framed with applied granulations and enclosing a round intaglio bearing an incised portrait of Jupiter. Jupiter, the god of the sky, lightning and thunder, was also the king of the gods. He was the most important god in the Greco-Roman Pantheon and was as celebrated as he was feared. Good condition. Wearable Size: D:19 mm; US 10; UK T;6.90 g. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed before 2000.
c. 1000-1500 AD, Crusader Period. Silver ring with a thick circular hoop and a hexagonal bezel featuring an incised Star of BethIehem motif. In the Christian tradition, the Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, revealed the birth of Jesus to the Biblical Magi, and later led them to Bethlehem. The star appears only in the nativity story of the Gospel of Matthew, where magi "from the east" are inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem. There they meet King Herod of Judea, and ask where the king of the Jews has been born. Herod, following a verse from the book of Micah interpreted as a prophecy, directs them to Bethlehem, a nearby village. The star leads them to the stable where Jesus was born in Bethlehem, where they worship him, and give him gifts. It is a symbol often depicted on rings and jewellery during the Medieval period. Good, wearable condition. Size: D: 19mm, US: 9, UK: R1/2; 7.35g. Provenance: Private collection of an Oxford professional, formed in the 1970s-1990s on the UK art market.
C. 900 AD, Viking Age. A silver ring with a D-shaped hoop and a round bezel set with a dark coloured gem secured by four additional 'arms.' This simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking warrior Good condition. Size: D: 17.7mm, US: 7 1/2, UK: O1/2; 5.96g. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.
c. 1-300 AD. Roman. A heavy silver ring with a D-shaped band inset with an elliptical red gem intaglio depicting a seated cupid. This item probably served as a signet ring used to seal letters or other documents and may have belonged to a Roman merchant. Good, wearable condition. Size: D: 15.1mm, US: 4, UK: I; 10.03g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1970s on the UK and European art market.
500-1 BC, Celtic Iron Age. Simple, open hoop ring with a circular section. This simple yet elegant ring probably would have belonged to an Iron Age noblewoman. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: D: 20.4mm, US: 10 1/2, UK: V; 5.37g. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s;
C. 900 AD, Viking Age. A silver ring with a circular hoop and a round bezel set with a green gem secured by four additional 'arms.' This simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking warrior. Good condition. Size: D: 17.5mm, US: 7, UK: O; 5.93g. Provenance: From the private collection of a South London art professional; previously in a collection formed on the UK/European art market in the 1990s;
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. Beautiful bronze ring comprised of a circular hoop, with an octagonal bezel bearing incised decoration in the form of a beast and gently flaring shoulders accented with incised crosshatching. this simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking warrior. Good condition. Size: D: 19.4mm, US: 9 1/2, UK: S1/2; 7.86g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed since the 1980s on the UK and European art market.
C. 900 AD, Viking Age. A bronze ring with a circular-shaped hoop and a lozenge-shaped bezel with incised curvilinear decorations. This simple yet elegant ornament may have belonged to a Viking warrior. Good condition. Size: D: 19.4mm, US: 9 1/2, UK: S1/2; 4.95g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
Ca.900 AD An attractive Viking gold finger Ring formed by multiple tapering rods twisted together. Good Condition; wearable; Reference for Viking Jewellery: Cf. Arbman, H. Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940. D: 23 mm; US 14; UK Z; 9.70g Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.
C.900-1200 AD, Byzantine. Beautiful gold wedding ring with circular hoop decorated with openwork filigree meanders and granulation; the bezel comprises an elaborate raised crown design. Marriage, in both legal and social senses, underwent considerable development throughout the course of Byzantine history. Perhaps the greatest impetus for change in comparison to earlier Roman marriage, was the progressive migration of marriage law from civil to church courts, and the eventual requirement that marriage services be conducted by the Church. The family, especially the aristocratic family also underwent changes. There were some continuities as well, of course. The basic family unit, consisting not only of parents and their immediate children, but also grandchildren, uncles and aunts, as well as family relationships established by a whole series of religious acts - adoption, god-parentship, suntechnia (co-god-parentship), and adelphopoiia, (literally brother making.) Such alliances were planned with care, with an intent to strengthen the position and material well-being of a family. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: D 20mm; US 10.5; UK U; 5.09g. Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed before 2000.
C. 100 AD, Roman. Well-preserved bronze ring with circular hoop and raised trumpet bezel featuring engraved lion and snake motif. This item may have belonged to a Roman merchant and perhaps served as a signet ring to seal letters. Good condition. Size: D: 17.7mm, US: 7, UK: O; 2.46g. Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.
C. 1000 AD, Viking Age. Silvered bronze ring with D-shaped hoop and raised decoration on the shoulders. The circular bezel features engraved decoration in the form of a stylised raven within a circle. In Norse mythology, Huginn And Muninn are a pair of ravens that fly all over the world, Midgard, and bring information to the god Odin. Good condition; wearable. Size: D: 18.1mm, US: 8, UK: P1/2; 3.27g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK and European art market.
1-300 AD, Roman. Ring with circular loop, and raised round bezel bearing an incised decoration comprising numerous incised circles nested inside eachother to form a sun motif common in Roman art. The sun stands for Sol Invictus (Latin for: "Unconquered Sun"), a major divinity in Late Roman Religion. Sol Invictus was a patron of soldier and became part of official state religion in AD 274 under the Emperor Aurelian. The cult continued into the 5th century as St Augustine felt it necessary to preach against Sol to his Christian congregation. The connection between Sol and soldiers means that this item may well have belonged to a Roman legionary, who wore it a in hope of protection during military campaigns. Good condition. Size: D: 18.8mm, US: 8 1/2, UK: R; 2.05g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.
c. 1000-1500 AD, Crusader Period. Rare bronze ring with a thick circular hoop and enormous circular trumpet bezel featuring an incised Star of Bethlehem motif. In the Christian tradition, the Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, revealed the birth of Jesus to the Biblical Magi, and later led them to Bethlehem. The star appears only in the nativity story of the Gospel of Matthew, where magi "from the east" are inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem. There they meet King Herod of Judea, and ask where the king of the Jews has been born. Herod, following a verse from the book of Micah interpreted as a prophecy, directs them to Bethlehem, a nearby village. The star leads them to the stable where Jesus was born in Bethlehem, where they worship him, and give him gifts. It is a symbol often depicted on rings and jewellery during the Medieval period. Good, wearable condition. Size: D: 19mm, US: 9, UK: R1/2; 10.1g. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.
700-1100 AD, Viking Age. A superb heavy gold ring is comprised of a twisted band with wrapped terminals. This ring was intended to evoke the form of a snake. In Norse mythology, Jormungand (pronounced “YOUR-mun-gand;” Old Norse Jörmungandr, “Great Beast”), also called the “Midgard Serpent,” is a snake or dragon who lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard, the visible world. He was so enormous that his body forms a circle around the entirety of Midgard. He is one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, along with Hel and Fenrir. Good condition. Wearable. Size: D: 16.9mm, US: 6.5, UK: M1/2; 10.26g. Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed before 2000.
1-300 AD, Roman. Gold ring with D-shaped hoop, and an elliptical bezel with a red gem intaglio bearing a bust of Sol Invictus wearing a radiate crown. Sol Invictus (Latin for: "Unconquered Sun") was a major divinity in Late Roman Religion. Sol Invictus was a patron of soldier and became part of official state religion in AD 274 under the Emperor Aurelian. The cult continued into the 5th century as St Augustine felt it necessary to preach against Sol to his Christian congregation. The connection between Sol and soldiers means that this item may well have belonged to a Roman legionary, who wore it a in hope of protection during military campaigns. Superb condition. Wearable. Size: D: 18.8mm, US: 8.5, UK: R; 4.93g. Provenance: Property of an established London gallery; acquired from a private estate collection formed before 2000.
c. 1-300 AD. Roman. A beautiful red stone intaglio with an incised image of a satyr and goats set into a later heavy gold ring with an open work D-shaped hoop with vegetal motif, reminiscent of a Corinthian column . This lovely mythological pastoral scene was probably intended to advertise the education of this itaglio’s owner and reflect the bucolic pastoral ideal popular with the Roman aristocracy. Good condition. Wearable Size: D:22 mm;US 12.5; UK Y; 24 g. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1970s.
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