Provenance and authenticity documentation available for every piece.
Skip to product information
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Gold Inlay Bird Motif – “Geranos” (9th–11th c. AD) – EU 57 / US 8
€1.100,00
Material:
Era:
- Byzantine Empire
Rarity:
Secure checkout
Worldwide insured shipping
14-day return policy
Description
A Byzantine bronze ring with a broad circular bezel enriched with delicate gold inlay. At the center appears a stylized bird with elongated neck and leg, closely resembling a crane or similar wading bird rendered in a schematic decorative style. Surrounding the figure runs a circular sequence of gold inlaid Greek characters framed by a dotted border. The shoulders of the ring are further embellished with gold inlaid ornamental patterns that continue the decorative program onto the hoop. The ring retains an attractive ancient patina with substantial surviving gold inlay that highlights the original craftsmanship.
Details
Material: Bronze with gold inlay
Date: Byzantine, 9th–11th century AD
Ring Size: EU 57 / US 8
Provenance: European private collection, reportedly from older British and European collections formed in the 1970s
Unique Identifier: R-183-B
Condition: Very good, with stable patina and significant surviving gold inlay
Restoration and Authenticity
Offered in original, untouched condition with stable patina and no modern repairs.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Historical Context
During the Middle Byzantine period, rings decorated with gold inlay became popular forms of personal jewellery across the eastern Mediterranean. These rings often combined symbolic imagery with short Greek inscriptions that expressed identity, protection, or devotion. Birds appear frequently in Byzantine decorative arts and could symbolize vigilance, spiritual ascent, or divine guidance. Rings of this type were worn as personal ornaments and sometimes carried protective meaning, reflecting the close relationship between jewellery, faith, and identity in Byzantine society.
Care
To maintain the beauty and integrity of your purchase, we recommend treating it with care. Simple maintenance practices, such as gentle washing and proper storage, can effectively preserve the longevity of your favorites. We encourage you to refer to the care instructions included with each item, designed to help you keep your purchase in top condition.
Authenticity
Each artifact we offer has been carefully examined by qualified professionals to ensure its authenticity. Our assessment considers historical style, craftsmanship, materials, and the wider typology of comparable pieces.
Because historical scholarship evolves, we offer a lifelong authenticity guarantee: if two independent, accredited laboratories ever determine that an item is not genuine, we will refund you in full.
What size is this ring?
The EU size of this ring is: 57
The US size of this ring is: 8
You can find information about ring sizes and how to determine your own, here.
Delivery Times & Processing
We prepare and ship most orders within 2–5 business days.
Delivery times depend on your location:
- EU orders: usually arrive within 1–5 business days.
- Non-EU orders: shipping typically takes 3–14 business days once dispatched.
- Export documents: Some antiquities require official export paperwork before shipping, which can take 2–8 weeks depending on the item and the issuing authority.
All orders are fully insured and you will receive tracking information as soon as your shipment is on its way.