CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.

This present example is a marriage or betrothal ring. The bezel is engraved in the centre with a depiction of a bride and groom, flanking another figure, presumably Christ, all inlaid with niello, some of which is now missing. Above this, there are other figures, possibly angels, with an unintelligible inscription below. The octagonal shape of the ring's hoop had an amuletic function. The sixth-century physician Alexander of Tralles recommended rings of this shape as a cure for colic. The hoop bears a chased inscription in Greek, preceded by a cross, which may be read as "Lord" and "protect". Since marriage rings were often made with octagonal hoops, it is likely that the eight-sided shape was also associated with good health in childbirth. For a similar shaped ring with applied bezel in the shape of an octofoil, cf., D. Buckton (ed.), Byzantinum: Treasures of Byzantine Art and Culture, London, 1994, no.106, pp. 98-99.