Gold and niello inlaid marriage ring, Byzantine 6th - 7th century AD

A gold and niello inlaid marriage ring.

Byzantine, 6th - 7th century AD.

Ring size M 1/2 UK / 6.5 US.

The bezel measures 1.25 x 1.22cm.

The circular bezel is engraved with portrait busts of the husband and wife beneath the bust of Christ. The couple flank a niello crucifix and the ring is decorated with the nielloed Greek words ‘OE OY OMNIA’ which translates as ‘Concordia in God’.

In the Roman world ‘Concordia’ is the goddess who embodies agreement in marriage and society. Her Greek equivalent is usually regarded as ‘Harmonia’, so the sentiment on our ring relates to the marital harmony that a couple have with God.

This ring belongs to an important group of wedding rings used throughout the Byzantine period and shows the survival of pagan traditions in a Christian context. The married couple and the presence of Christ acts as both a symbol of marriage and the owners devotion to Christianity.