Byzantine Gold Monogram Ring, 6th Century AD

Byzantine monogram ring in solid yellow gold. Circa 6th-8th century AD.

Fitted to centre with a raised square plaque featuring curving corners, incised centrally with a decorative cruciform, flanked to either side with rounded shoulders which flow down to a solid D-shape shank. Tested yellow gold, approximately 2.72 grams in weight.

The Byzantine empire spanned much of the known world during the time spanning the 6th-8th centuries. The legalization of Christianity by Emperor Constantine I inspired the introduction of symbolic religious emblems. Many rings of this period were engraved or embossed with religious symbols of Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints and angelic figures which were worn for divine protection.