16334

BYZANTINE GOLD RING WITH SAINT STEPHEN
8th-10th century AD. A gold ring with D-section hoop and lozengiform bezel; incuse design featuring St Stephen, nimbate and wearing a Christian cross pendant, in the centre; sprigs below, symbols and inscription 'A?IOCTE?ANI' for Saint Stephen in the field; flanked by a Christian cross on each side. Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 668, for type. 8.81 grams, 25.42mm overall, 18.40mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15) (1"). Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection; acquired in the 1970s; accompanied an independent specialist report and valuation by graduate gemmologist and jewellery expert Anna Rogers, GIA GG, BA, Gem-A, ref. no.167659/7/10/2020; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10146-167659. Very fine condition. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]