Glass finger ring

Unknown

3rd–2nd century BCE · Glass · Greek and Roman Art

Colorless with pale blue green tinge. Broad hoop with D-shaped cross section with beveled edges, broadening into large oval bezel, concave on upper surface, with raised rim sloping outwards. The bezel would have been decorated with an inlay, probably also in glass, imitating a gem. Intact but slight chips on rim of bezel and inlay missing; pitting, patches of thick creamy weathering, and brilliant iridescence. The piece is similar to another large Hellenistic ring displayed here (91.1.1518). The surface of the glass is now covered with brilliant iridescent weathering.

Artist

Unknown

Date

3rd–2nd century BCE

Medium

Glass

Culture

Greek, Eastern Mediterranean

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917