BYZANTINE HIGH KARAT GOLD MARRIAGE RING Ca. AD 600. A solid 22 kt gold marriage ring with a narrow, rounded hoop and a circular engraved bezel depicting the frontal busts of a man and a woman, facing forward and separated by a central cross. The figures are rendered in a stylised manner. Below the busts appears the Greek inscription ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑ (“harmony” or “concord”), a term traditionally associated with marital unity and Christian virtue. Reviewed by Sami Fortune, an ancient jewellery specialist. For similar see: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, BZ.1959.60. Size: D:18.95mm / US: 9 / UK: R 1/2; Weight: 7g Provenance: Private UK collection; London art market; formerly in R.H. private collection, Switzerland, 1980s-2007. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.