Description:

Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking or Norse, ca. 8th to 11th century CE. An amazing finger ring formed of rods of silver wire braided into an expanding median section in a loose, openwork manner. Each braided wire fuses together at one side, tapering to the back of the ring band. The sinuous, twisting form of this ring was intended to evoke the form of a snake; an ambivalent creature in Scandinavian mythology who were believed to possess dark, underground powers, but also play a protective role. This piece could have been worn by either a man or a woman, as Vikings of both sexes have been found buried with jewelry similar to this. Vikings hoarded precious metals, especially silver; for example, in Viking Scotland alone, we know of thirty-one Viking age hoards containing silver - and those are just the ones we know about - while Viking Ireland has nearly double that! Silver rings of all sizes were a huge component of hoards, and functioned as a wearable form of currency. Size: 1.1" Diameter (2.8 cm); US ring size: 8.75; silver quality: 95.87%; weight: 6.7 grams

Provenance: private London, UK collection; ex-private Vienna, Austria collection, 1990s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Expedited shipping is available upon request to ensure most items arrive in time for the holidays, subject to item size and shipping destination.



SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#190640

  • Condition: Light surface wear and patina as shown, but otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

December 13, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000