Byzantine
A Byzantine gold and garnet ring, circa 6th - 7th century AD
Gold and garnet
Height: 3.1 cm; ring size: UK N
The angled hoop widening at the shoulders, the two-stepped octagonal raised bezel with a high fluted setting with a circular recess for the re-set garnet.
The angled hoop widening at the shoulders, the two-stepped octagonal raised bezel with a high fluted setting with a circular recess for the re-set garnet.
Provenance
Jurgen Abeler (1933-2010) Collection, Germany, formed between 1960 and 1981, thence by descentChristie's, London, 25 October 2012, lot 233
Born in Wuppertal in 1933 into a family of watchmakers and goldsmiths, Jurgen Abeler continued the family tradition but was also an avid collector. Initially collecting cigarette cards, stamps, and beermats, in 1958 this would be extended to watches with the opening of the Wuppertal Watch Museum. In addition to watches the museum included crowns, insignia, wine labels, and rings, with over 40,000 objects in total. Abeler amassed an impressive collection of rings ranging from Roman and Egyptian examples to 21st century pieces. He was motivated by his desire, in his own words, to create a "coherent, comprehensive overview about the whole topic up to the modern day."
Literature
Not only is the setting of this magnificent ring bold, the bases protruding high on the hand, but the garnet itself adds additional height and luster. Garnets were prized in antiquity, and their symbolism is rich and varied. The gemstone was often used as a talisman for protection and warding off evil spirits. The large size, considerable weight, and daring construction of this ring suggests that the wearer would have enjoyed an important position in society.The shape of this ring is typical of the late fifth and early sixth centuries, and examples are known either set with a gem or with a monogram engraved on the bezel.For a similar example see J. Spier, Treasures of the Ferrell Collection, 2010, no.177, p.246.