MEROVINGIAN GOLD RING WITH RED GARNET. Ca. AD 500 - 600. A stunning gold and garnet ring with a slim, flat band adorned with two external ridges. The bezel holds four polygonal garnets, which were among the most popular stones of this era. These garnets exhibit a deep red colour that can appear almost black in dim light, but sparkle with a wine-red hue when illuminated. Surrounding a central square garnet. For similar see: The Victoria and Albert Museum, Accession Number 625-1871; The British Museum, Museum number 1923,0716.15. Size: D:19.15mm / US: 9 1/4 / UK: S; Weight: 7g. Provenance: Private UK collection, acquired on the Dutch 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.