19th century and earlier. A gold ring comprising, inverted pyramidal bezel with square cell and flange rim, inset ancient garnet cloison with central void and gold annular motif; set into a later flat-section hoop with incised ring-and-dot motifs. 7.10 grams, 28mm overall,19.83 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 22.0, Japan 21) (1"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent. While the hoop is of 19th century manufacture, it is possible that the garnet is of Merovingian date - cf. Hadjadj, R. Bagues Mérovingiennes - Gaul du Nord, Paris, 2007, item 235 for type. Fine condition.