Lot 60: A BYZANTINE BLUE GLASS AND GOLD RING, CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.

The large circular bezel is set with a flat disc of turquoise-coloured glass, which exhibits a heavily pitted and weathered surface. Positioned in the centre of the inlay is a gold openwork disc with a quatrefoil motif, the cells of which are filled with a dark blue material, possibly lapis lazuli or cobalt-coloured glass. The bezel is supported by a rounded gold shank that tapers slightly and is soldered to a flat circular backplate. The shoulders are decorated with gold granules at the points of attachment. 

2cm diameter, glass: 1.6cm

weight: 9g