Lot 36
Western Europe, France/ Gaul, Frankish people, Merovingian Dynasty, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A marvelous ring comprised of over 21-karat gold and set with a prominent garnet cabochon. Boasting a rich hue of burgundy, the garnet cabochon is mounted on a hexagonal bezel with 6 petite gold nodules - one in each corner - upon an openwork, floral motif setting that connects to the shank via a spherical gallery. The cylindrical band tapers at the lower shank for an even-more dramatic presentation. Size of cabochon: 0.4" Diameter (1 cm); of ring: 1.5" L x 1" W x 0.5" H (3.8 cm x 2.5 cm x 1.3 cm); US ring size: 9; gold quality: 81.7 to 89.2% (up to over 21 karats); weight: 5.1 grams
Merovingian and other cultural styles from the period after the fall of the Roman Empire - variously referred to as the Dark Ages, the Migration Period, or, more archaically, the Period of Barbarian Invasions - appeal to us not only because of their extraordinary beauty, but because they are rarely seen today. The Merovingians were a Frankish dynasty who ruled a large portion of western and central Europe for approximately three hundred years. During that time, they practiced a pagan religion in which people were buried with vast wealth. For example, gold items like this one have been found in the tombs of warriors such as one in Vermand, France. Precious metal and red stones were often used in Migration period jewelry to denote the most elite individuals, inspired by contact with Greek colonies along the Black Sea, who in turn began to cater to pagan clients. The garnets themselves probably originated in Burma and traveled to European shores via India and the Silk Road.
Provenance: private London, UK collection; ex-private Oxfordshire, UK collection, from the 1980s
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#190700
- Condition: Intact, excellent, and wearable with light patina in some areas.
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| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |