Edwardian Ring with Date

A gold finger ring with segmented flange to the bezel open to the underside, cell with notched rim, inset carnelian cloison with incuse gryllus motif. 8.05 grams, 25.33 mm overall, 22.39 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



Acquired at auction. English private collection.

A translucent, colourless glass finger ring composed of a D-section hoop, expanding at the shoulders to an oval bezel, displaying an encapsulated gold foil cross with expanding arms. 9.73 grams, 29.44 mm overall, 18.16 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.

A wooden painted icon of Saint Eleutherios with a repoussé silver oklad that covers all but the face, embossed in rich priestly robes, representing the priest's omophorion decorated with crosses, over an embroidered robe or sticharion, the nimbus gilded and embossed with foliage and rays over a silver background, Greek inscription 'O AΓΙΟΣ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΣ' (Saint Eleutherios) to the sides. 1.9 kg, 37.5 x 28.7 cm



Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.

As bishop in Illyricum, Eleutherios promoted the cause of at a time when the persecutions not only made it difficult to win and hold converts, but also at a time when the gravest danger was in being a high-ranking prelate of the Church. Oblivious to this threat, he was acclaimed in the inner circle of Christianity as the brightest luminary of Christian Rome since the apostles. His immense popularity grew and thereby became more dangerous to the state. He was finally brought to the attention of Emperor Hadrian, who ordered his arrest, and then cast into prison, tortured, and put to death on December 15th.