Gold and cabochon garnet ring

Unknown

2nd–1st century BCE · Gold and cabochon garnet · Greek and Roman Art

The size of the hexagonal bezel, set with a plain but impressively large oval garnet, combined with the fact that another smaller garnet is set in a circular bezel at the center of the hoop at rear, suggests that one was meant to wear this ring on the thumb. This interpretation is confirmed by the presence of the hinge mechanism on the hoop, which allowed the ring to be fitted securely onto the thumb below the knuckle. The piece is a striking example of the extravagant and ostentatious lifestyle of the rich in the Hellenistic world.

Artist

Unknown

Date

2nd–1st century BCE

Medium

Gold and cabochon garnet

Culture

Greek

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Purchase, Patricia and Marietta Fried Gift, 2005