Medieval Roman Byzantine Engrave Faux Gem Ring AD999Sz8

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! Size 7 3/4 Genuine Ancient Roman/Byzantine Bronze Ring with Faux Intaglio Gemstone Raised Center Panel Bezel Circa Tenth to Twelfth Century A.D. CLASSIFICATION : Ancient Byzantine (Eastern Roman Empire) Bronze Ring with “Faux Intaglio Gemstone” Bezel and Engraved Bands. ATTRIBUTION : Eastern Roman Byzantine Empire (Myra, present-day Demre, Turkey), 10-12th Century A.D. SIZE/MEASUREMENTS : Fits ring size 7 3/4 (U.S.). Diameter: 19 1/2mm (outer diameter); 18mm (inner diameter). Bezel: 10 1/2mm (height) * 8mm (breadth) * 1mm (thickness). Tapered Width Band: 9mm (at bezel) * 5 1/2mm (at sides) * 3 1/2mm (at back). Weight: 2.38 grams. CONDITION : Excellent! Completely intact, heavy wear consistent with sustained (ancient) usage, very mild porosity (surface pitting caused by contact with earth while buried). Professionally conserved. DETAIL : A nicely styled Roman-Byzantine bronze ring with very ornate and elegant features. The ring sports a large integral bezel which bears what was a quite popular “faux intaglio gemstone” motif. This consisted of an oval shaped, raised “faux engraved gemstone” intended to give the impression of an engraved, intaglio-style (“seal”) center gemstone. On the surface of the faux gemstone is what appears to be a deeply engraved floral motive, which itself is surrounded by an oval boundary line at the periphery of the raised center oval. The design is continued on the bands where if you look closely, you can see (at least on one side of the bands) that the engraved pattern was carried on from the center bezel, and includes very elaborate fringe trim to the bezel which appears like flower petals. You can see faint evidence (and we know from other rings of this motif) that the bands were engraved from the bezel to at least half-way toward the back. However as you can see, the ring is heavily worn, and much of the original engraving has been worn smooth. The bezel itself is mostly intact, at least to the point where you can clearly see that it was of a recessed, incised floral motif. The perimeter line which encircles the waist or down-sloping shoulder of the bezel is mostly visible. And the ornately engraved floral motif bands, starting with the flower petal fringe on one side is very distinct, partly discernible on the other side, and from there onwards half-way toward the back of the bands, on both sides of the ring, there are few hints that the bands were originally engraved. The wear has in no way imperiled the integrity of the ring, it is still sturdy and quite wearable. However much of the engraving has been worn smooth. Nonetheless it’s a very elegant and well-crafted ring, designed to give the impression that the ring is set with an intaglio gemstone (known as a “seal” or “signet” to some). An intaglio ring was used to press the wearer's "seal" into lead, clay, or wax, leaving an impression created by the ring's bezel. Though oftentimes the carved intaglio seal might be in the form of a gemstone such as carnelian, carved and then mounted onto a ring; frequently the intaglio seal was created by simply carving into a metal bezel, such as is the case here. Although this ring was not really intended as an intaglio, it was intended to give the impression that the ring was set with an intaglio gemstone, and in fact, though the engraving is somewhat shallow compared to an actual intaglio gemstone, it nonetheless could actually have been used to create a seal in wax or clay or lead. Beyond the raised centerpoint of the bezel, the faux intaglio gemstone, the bands themselves are likewise very elaborate. Fate has been very kind. Clearly the ring was worn extensively some thousand years ago by the original owner. However this should not be a source for disappointment. You must keep in mind that the ring was produced by an artisan and sold to a patron or consumer with the idea that the ring would be enjoyed and worn by the purchaser. And... read more

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