Ca. 500-600 AD. A bronze finger ring composed of a plain, circular band, that gradually expands to form a circular bezel. The shoulders are decorated with radiating lines and a bezel bears a depiction of a stylised cross enclosed in a round frame with four etchings. The cross has held significant importance in the Byzantine Empire since its inception in 330 AD. It was the symbol used in the official banner of the Byzantine Empire and is closely associated with Christianity, which was the official religion of the state. The cross was used to symbolize victory over the enemies of the empire, and it was also used as a symbol of hope, as it was believed to represent resurrection and eternal life.Size: D: 16.92mm / US: 6 1/2 / UK: N ; 6.79gProvenance: Private London collector, acquired on the UK Art market, pre-2000.