c.7th century AD. A gold ring with tapering hoop and conical bezel set with a domed translucent glass intaglio bearing a zoomorphic motif, seemingly an eagle standing beside a staff, of a possibly earlier Roman date. Cf. Adams, N. et al., Intelligible Beauty Recent Research on Byzantine Jewellery, London, 2010, p.30, for a similar ring set with green glass cabochon. 7.53 grams, 24.94mm overall, 17.61mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8) (1"). Ex important Japanese collection of jewellery, 1970s-2010. Condition Report Fine condition.