6th-7th century AD . A delicate miniature gold buckle of shield-on-tongue type comprising: a carinated carved garnet D-shaped loop; a buckle-tongue with pentagonal garnet cloison to the rear, bifid terminal curved over the forward edge of the loop; an elliptical buckle-plate with three D-shaped extensions accepting gold dome-headed rivets and strap returning to the rear of the plate, ornamented with a central discoid garnet cloison and four comma-shaped garnet cloisons each with a stamped foil reflective backing. 6.58 grams, 28 mm (1"). Property of a London collector, acquired before 1980.

Extremely fine condition, crack to loop and one plate garnet.