Gold ring with a glass paste amuletic ‘eye', 5th century BC

A gold ring set with a glass paste amuletic ‘eye’.

Greek or Cypriot, 5th century BC.

Right size M 1/2 UK / 6.5 US.

Weighs 3.4 grams.

The bezel measures 1.8 x 1.2cm.

The elliptical bezel is set with a white glass paste with a blue core which is revealed by surface abrasions and degradation. The edge of the bezel is adorned with granular decoration, the shank with high shoulders and ribbed decoration. The ring gives the impression that it swivels however it doesn’t and was not intended to. In extremely fine and wearable condition.

Provenance; Private English collection formed in the 1980’s.

The Metropolitan museum holds a number of comparable examples:

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/243572

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/243573

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/243557

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/243623

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/243625