2nd-1st century BC. A large and most impressive ring; the main bezel of hexagonal, stepped form with a large elliptical cabochon garnet set into the upper face; the elongated D-shaped balustred hoop with two pinned hinge points to facilitate wearing; the lower bezel set with a round cabochon sapphire; supplied with custom-made stand.

PROVENANCE:
Property of a Gentleman.

LITERATURE:
See Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Accession No 2005.278 for a very similar (if of plainer style) ring and see also Higgins, R.A. Greek and Roman Jewellery plate 53(E) for a closely similar ring lacking the hinges.

FOOTNOTES:
These spectacular double-bezel rings were most probably intended to be worn on the thumb to display the sheer ostentation of the wealthy Hellenistic lifestyle.