A late hellenistic architectural gold ring with stepped bezel set with amethyst and garnet.

2nd ...

A late hellenistic architectural gold ring with stepped bezel set with amethyst and garnet.

2nd century B.C.

Stone diam. 11 mm (amethyst) and 4x6 mm (garnet); ring size 15 x 21 mm; H. 43 mm; 22,21 gr.

The complex construction is composed of an hollowed bezel with a series of sharply molded hexagonal steps set with a large cabochon amethyst. The hoop is solid and boat-shaped, terminating in architectural form (top of a column and capital). A small oval cabochon garnet is set in the center of the hoop at the bottom. The hoop attaches to the bezel by means of hinged elements held by pegs. Nearly twenty other similar rings are known. Although the rings display variations in shape and details, all the examples are very close in style and technique. The quality of both the gold work and the stones themselves is very high. Garnet is the most popular stone of the hellenistic period, but rings of this group are also set with amethyst, emeralds, and citrines. Parallel: Marshall, F.H., Catalogue of the singer rings, British Museum, 1968, Pl.XXI, 843-844 Spier, J. - Ogden, J., rings of the ancient world, 2015, n°28, p.77, 78.

Provenance: english private collection B.C., London, acquired on the London art market in 1975.