CIRCA 7TH CENTURY A.D.

The form of this impressive Byzantine finger ring with its broad hoop and calyx-shaped bezel is characteristic of the 7th century A.D. The calyx is typically set with a cabochon gem such as garnet, amethyst, rock crystal or emerald, or, more rarely, as here, a large pearl. On this example, a wire threaded through its perforation secures the pearl to the bezel. The tip of each petal is topped with a large granulated sphere where it joins the circular bezel. The hoop is decorated with a pierced-work inscription in Greek along its length, reading KYPIE BOHΘI ΓΕΟΡΓΙΑC, "Lord help Georgia," likely for the original owner.

For other rings of this type, some with pierced-work scrolling, a few cut with inscriptions, see nos. 323-333 in A. Yeroulanou, Diatrita, Pierced-work Gold Jewellery form the 3rd to the 7th Century.