This cast bronze ring is set with a dark red to reddish brown glass cabochon, secured by rounded retaining lobes formed integrally with the bezel. The ring is made in one piece, with a slender hoop that widens toward the shoulders. Faint linear engravings remain visible on the shoulders, consisting of short parallel lines crossed by a transverse stroke, decorative rather than symbolic, and smoothed through long wear.
Details
Material: Bronze (copper alloy), glass
Date: Late Roman to Early Medieval, 4th–10th century CE
Ring Size: EU 50 / US 5.25
Provenance: Private Belgian collection, acquired in the 1960s
Unique Identifier: R-152-B
Condition: Intact, with surface wear, stable patina, and minor surviving engraved detail consistent with age
Restoration and Authenticity
This piece is preserved in its untouched state, showing natural aging and patina from centuries of use. For those who prefer a refreshed look, a professional restoration service is available, reviving original detail while respecting historical integrity.
If you’d like to book a restoration, simply add the restoration option along with your order or book it as the additional product in my shop.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Historical Context
Glass set rings of this type were widely worn across Europe as personal ornaments, often using glass as an economical substitute for carnelian or garnet. The construction method and simple shoulder decoration reflect metalworking traditions that originate in the Late Roman period and continue into the early and central medieval era. Such rings were everyday items rather than symbols of rank, worn by civilians across transitional societies where Roman practices persisted alongside emerging medieval forms.