16337

BYZANTINE GOLD MARRIAGE RING
8th-10th century AD. A gold ring with D-section hoop, expanding shoulders and oval-shaped bezel with incuse design comprising a central Christian cross, a nimbate figure above, flanked by two facing robed figures, one male, one female, an inscription below 'OMONOI[A]' for harmony, symbols in the field. Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 672; Dalton, O.M., The Franks Bequest Catalogue of Finger Rings, London, 1912, item 50. 9.43 grams, 25.23mm overall, 19.89x15.54mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10) (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.167658/7/10/2020. Very fine condition. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions website.]