GREEK GOLD RING WITH GARNET AND INSCRIPTION 4th-1st century BC A gold ring with central rib running along the shank, to the bottom is a flattened section inscribed with βλςι; to one side of the shank is inscribed λιςςλ; the bezel is raised and surrounded by small filigree and set with an eye shaped garnet. 6 grams, 24.52mm overall, 20.57mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/4, USA 10 3/4, Europe 63, Japan 23) (1"). Very fine condition. A large wearable size. Rare. Provenance From an important Mayfair, London, UK, collection; acquired 1980s. Footnotes The inscription on this ring is an abbreviated form of a longer phrase and may be related to the class of magical rings that were worn in the ancient world to avert danger and the evil eye. Often the words are nonsensical or include the names of guardian spirits or even Jewish names for God. The Hellenistic period is characterised by an avid interest in magic and many ancient papyri, amulets and ritual objects survive. Amulets were a very widespread type of magic, because of the fear of other types of magic, such as curses, being used against oneself. Various gemstones were also believed to have magical properties, such as garnet which, due to it being the same colour as blood, was believed to have the power of regeneration.
GREEK GOLD RING WITH GARNET AND INSCRIPTION 4th-1st century BC A gold ring with central rib running along the shank, to the bottom is a flattened section inscribed with βλςι; to one side of the shank is inscribed λιςςλ; the bezel is raised and surrounded by small filigree and set with an eye shaped garnet. 6 grams, 24.52mm overall, 20.57mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/4, USA 10 3/4, Europe 63, Japan 23) (1"). Very fine condition. A large wearable size. Rare. Provenance From an important Mayfair, London, UK, collection; acquired 1980s. Footnotes The inscription on this ring is an abbreviated form of a longer phrase and may be related to the class of magical rings that were worn in the ancient world to avert danger and the evil eye. Often the words are nonsensical or include the names of guardian spirits or even Jewish names for God. The Hellenistic period is characterised by an avid interest in magic and many ancient papyri, amulets and ritual objects survive. Amulets were a very widespread type of magic, because of the fear of other types of magic, such as curses, being used against oneself. Various gemstones were also believed to have magical properties, such as garnet which, due to it being the same colour as blood, was believed to have the power of regeneration.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
