Byzantine Silver-Gilt Filigree Earrings

Hoop with angled shoulders, hexagonal bezel with a stylised nimbate warrior holding a long spear and a shield. 3.24 grams, 21.62 mm overall, 18.18 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

The bronze ring is compactly worked from a single bar. The hoop, hemispherical in section, broadens at the top, where the hexagonal ring bezel was hammered. The decoration inscribed in the hexagon shows a military saint in the upper field, surrounded by lines running parallel to the hexagon, which form a further decorative element. The bezel of these rings was decorated with stylised images, very often military saints, who were asked for protection and blessing. They are usually represented as one or two human figures, schematically depicted, inscribed in a circle, decorating the bezel.

Slender hoop and a large oval bezel bearing two stylised warrior figures holding spears. 4.66 grams, 21.55 mm overall, 19.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

In this category of rings, the oval hoop gradually widens into a full shoulder and a massive, flattened bezel. The ellipsoidal bezel is decorated with stylised images, most probably, of military saints, who were asked for protection and blessing.

Broad bezel with incised bird in flight motif. 3.71 grams, 21.84 mm overall, 19.28 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.