11th-12th century AD. A gold ring with shank engraved with geometric foliage pattern filled with niello to the shoulder; oval bezel with relief trefoils to four sides and engraved with geometric pattern between; to the inside of the bezel a knot pattern in a lozenge shape; oval onyx intaglio engraved with rectangle composed from Kufic letters, to the centre Arabic inscription. 7.50 grams, 20.88mm overall, 19.15mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.00, Japan 19) (3/4"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent. Fine condition.