Byzantine Empire Silver Monogram Ring

Date: c. 1100 A.D.
Weight: 2.4 grams
Size: 5 (U.S.) / J 1/2 (U.K.)

History of the Artifact

Minimalist yet fascinating Byzantine silver hoop ring featuring a singular ‘M’ shaped monogram on the seal. A monogram is part text, part image. The letters of a name, title, word, or phrase are isolated, rearranged, and combined into a single graphic device. Monograms became a notable feature of late Roman aristocracy, but the Byzantines turned it into an artistic staple. The monogram of this ring is simple and not as adorned as those that would have been designed for the high aristocracy of the time; nevertheless the wearer would still have worn the ring as a status symbol and employed it as a signet ring pressing the bezel into a bed of soft wax leaving behind a mirror image, relief impression, or seal, that could be attached to letters, contracts, and personal property for authentication and protection.

For more information we suggest “Reading and Displaying Monograms on Byzantine Signet Rings” from Volume 75 of the Walters Art Museum. 

Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

Your order will include:

• Byzantine Empire Silver Ring as seen in photos
• Certificate of Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.