Provenance and authenticity documentation available for every piece.
Early Byzantine Bronze Marriage Ring with Facing Couple – “Eudokia” (6th–9th century AD) – EU 58.5 / US 8.5
Material:
Era:
- Byzantine Empire
Rarity:
Description
A bronze ring of the Early Byzantine period with a slender hoop and an oval engraved bezel. The bezel shows a schematic figural scene of two standing figures facing one another, rendered in a simple linear style typical of Byzantine jewellery and seal devices. The composition is widely interpreted as a marital or betrothal motif, representing a bride and groom standing together. A dotted border frames the scene around the edge of the bezel. Rings of this type were worn as marriage bands and symbolic tokens of union within the Christian Byzantine world.
Details
Material: Bronze
Date: Early Byzantine, 6th–9th century AD
Ring Size: EU 58.5 / US 8.5
Provenance: Private Belgian collection, assembled before the 1960s
Unique Identifier: R-181-B
Condition: Good, with stable patina and softened engraving consistent with age
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 Early Byzantine period, rings bearing scenes of a couple facing each other were commonly associated with marriage and betrothal. These rings symbolized the formal union of two individuals and often served as wedding bands or tokens exchanged during marriage rituals. The simplified figural engraving reflects the stylized visual language of Byzantine devotional and personal objects, where symbolic meaning took precedence over detailed naturalism. Such rings were worn throughout the Byzantine world as enduring signs of marital commitment and social identity within Christian 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: 58.5
The US size of this ring is: 8.5
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.