170
R I N G S A N D J E W E L RY O F T H E M I G R AT I O N P E R I O D , 6 T H - 7 T H C E N T U RY
31. Gold Ring with Filigree Decoration Visigothic(?), 6th-7th century Height 34.4 mm; exterior diameter of hoop 20.26 mm; weight 10.1 g; US size 8; UK size P ½
The bezel is an inverted, four-sided pyramid, each side decorated with
four strands of twisted wire filigree. A border of gold pellets outlines the upper edge, and clusters of gold pellets ornament the corners. Rising from the center of the bezel is a high, square collar of gold foil enclosing a flat, banded agate gem (probably a later replacement). The bezel joins a broad, flat hoop, the exterior of which is decorated with a central band of three strands of braided gold wire between twisted gold wire and bordered on either side with flattened wire. The ring is exceptionally ornate, with skillfully applied filigree and
granulation. The degree of ornamentation suggests a Gothic rather than Byzantine origin, although Byzantine influence is apparent in the shape of the pyramidal bezel and use of braided wire. The closest parallel is a ring in a private collection believed to be a Visigothic work from Spain (fig. 31.1.). That ring has a very similar pyramidal bezel decorated with filigree spirals and bordered with gold pellets, and it, too, has a high collar enclosing a flat garnet. Its hoop, too, is a broad band, although the exterior decoration is different, consisting of a single strand of thick, twisted gold wire.
Notes: For the similar Visigothic ring, see Treasures of the Dark Ages 1991, p. 125, no. 213, now in a private collection. Its Spanish provenance cannot be confirmed but is certainly plausible.