BYZANTINE HIGH KARAT GOLD RING WITH CROSS AND SAPPHIRE Ca. AD 700 - 900. A gold ring with an openwork bezel formed of fine filigree scrolls arranged in a symmetrical pattern around a centrally set sapphire cabochon. The bezel is flanked by raised granules and volute-shaped extensions that merge into the shoulders. The hoop is plain with shallow incised lines. Size: D:18.75mm / US: 8 3/4 / UK: R; Weight: 7g Provenance: Private London collection; formerly in South German private collection 1980s-early1990s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.