Anglo Saxon Gold & Garnet Finger Ring

Code: 10205

This is a rare Anglo-Saxon period gold finger ring, dating to the 7th - 10th century A.D. The square shaped bezel is finely formed from sheet gold, with a Saxon cross carefully repouseed. The centre of the cross is set with a cabochon garnet gemstone. The shank is formed from a tapered piece of gold, the ends forming the shoulders of the ring. It retains traces of an old repair to the bezel, otherwise is intact and wearable. Such gold finger ring would have been worn by a noble Christian lady, around the time of the Viking invasions.

OBJECT: Finger Ring

CULTURE: Saxon / Viking

DATE: c. 7th - 10th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold

RING SIZE:  8 1/2  (US)  Q 3/4 (UK)

SIZE: 20.34mm x 20.92mm x 5.33mm (bezel 14.97mm x 14.73mm x 3.65mm)

WEIGHT: 3.20 grams

PROVENANCE: Purchased from a private Cambridgeshire collector, originally acquired during the 1990's.