{"product_id":"byzantine-silver-ring-stauros-8th-10th-c-ce-cross-patee","title":"Byzantine Silver Ring - 'Stauros' (ca. 8th–10th c. CE) EU 59 \/ US 8.75","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Byzantine silver ring named 'Stauros', its stepped bezel centred on a raised cross with flaring arms, a confession of the Christian faith. Three rectangular tiers rise from a broad keeled hoop, with incised triangular panels on the shoulders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eAt the top of the bezel, a sunken round field holds a cross patée in relief, its four equal arms widening to broad straight ends. Two lower steps frame it, and on each shoulder an incised double line outlines a triangle filled with small S-scrolls, set off from the bezel by upright ribs. The cross asked Christ to protect its wearer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Byzantine\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Silver\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: EU 59 \/ US 8.75\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 8 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Outer hoop smooth and bright with fine scratches; black and orange-buff deposits in every step, in the bezel field and under the bezel; soft wear on the high points of the cross and scrolls\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private UK collection; acquired on the London art market in the 1980s.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: R-681-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\u003eRings of this form raise their device on a stepped bezel, like a small pedestal standing on the hoop, so that it sits well above the finger. The tiers, ribs and cross appear to have been cast together, with the shoulder panels incised afterwards. A raised cross of this kind was worn for devotion rather than for sealing. In Byzantine belief the cross stood for Christ's victory over death, and a cross worn on the body was a guard against evil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSet high on three silver steps, the cross put its wearer's faith where anyone could see it.\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":64264849064266,"sku":"R-681-S","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/stauros-angled-front-view-of-the-silver-ring-and-its-stepped-cross-bezel-1.jpg?v=1794041135","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/byzantine-silver-ring-stauros-8th-10th-c-ce-cross-patee","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}