{"product_id":"byzantine-silver-ring-pistos-4th-6th-c-ce-cross-intaglio","title":"Byzantine Silver Ring - 'Pistos' (ca. 4th–6th c. CE) EU 54.5 \/ US 7","description":"\u003cp\u003eA silver signet ring named 'Pistos', set with a Byzantine carnelian intaglio of a cross on a stepped base, the sign of Christ's sacrifice and salvation. Broad faceted shoulders taper away from a raised circular collet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Engraving:\u003cbr\u003eThe cross is cut in narrow, straight lines: a tall upright and a short crossbar, their free ends slightly widened. Beneath it, three bars of increasing length build a flight of steps, with a short block where the upright meets them. The steps stand for the hill where Christ was crucified, so the cross recalls both his death and his victory over it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Byzantine\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Silver, carnelian intaglio\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: EU 54.5 \/ US 7\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 4.9 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Grey silver with darker mottling and smoothed shoulder facets; the stone has been reset, its collet rim bright against the hoop; pale deposit along the hoop edges; dense fine scratches across the carnelian\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private London collection; previously in an Austrian private collection, 1980s to early 1990s.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: R-672-S\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eThis original comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and our written lifetime authenticity guarantee.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eEngraved and set in a finger ring, a carnelian became its owner's seal, pressed into wax to close letters and mark goods. The silver mount, possibly later than the gem, holds the stone in a raised collet with the rim worked over its edge. Where older seal stones had carried gods and heroes, a Christian could sign instead with a confession of faith. Carried on the body, the cross was also trusted to guard its wearer from harm.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn wax the stone signed with the cross; on the finger it kept that same sign with its owner.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/byzantine-rings\"\u003eByzantine rings\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64264827437386,"sku":"R-672-S","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/pistos-angled-front-view-of-the-silver-ring-and-its-cross-intaglio-1.jpg?v=1794040931","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/byzantine-silver-ring-pistos-4th-6th-c-ce-cross-intaglio","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}