An exquisite Byzantine gold ring, featuring a thick band and a square bezel with engraved floral motifs. At the back of the ring band, a star motif is engraved. The shoulders of the ring are decorated with circular elements, after which band splits in two to form a perforation on either side of the bezel. The bezel itself is square, framed by a granulated bead in each corner, and adorned with intricate incisions. Swirls mimicking leaves and flowers sprout from either side of central diagonal column. Additional incisions radiate from the bead in each corner. The ring features some minor scratches, and is otherwise in excellent condition. Byzantine jewellery was a full continuation of the Roman traditions. Production in the old jewellery centres of Alexandria and Antioch gave way to an increased production in Constantinople. In the Byzantine Empire jewellery played an important role. It acted as a way to express one’s status and as a diplomatic tool. Internal Diameter: 1.8cm Weight: 3.65g Closest UK Ring Size: L Provenance: Acquired from London galleries during the 1990s. From the jewellery collection of a London, UK, gentleman.