BYZANTINE GOLD RING DEPICTING CHRIST IN NIELLO Ca. AD 500 - 700. A gold ring with an octagonal flat-section hoop and an attached oval bezel. The bezel is framed by pairs of small, rounded granules on each side. The bezel depicts Christ standing, rendered in niello, wearing a long robe and a halo with a cross above his head. His right hand is raised in gesture, while his left holds an object, possibly a book. Size: D:17.93mm / US: 7 3/4 / UK: P; Weight: 7.17g. Provenance: Private UK collection; previously acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. This piece is accompanied by an authentication statement by Sami Fortune, ancient jewellery specialist.