6th-7th century AD. A D-section gold hoop with expanding shoulders, the bezel an openwork balustered arcade with granule detailing, discoid plaque with inset cabochon garnet. See Ross M.C. Catalogue of the Byzantine and Early Mediaeval Antiquities in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection, Volume 2: Jewelry, Enamels and Art of the Migration Period, Washington, 2005, plate XIV (E"). 5.44 grams, 27mm overall, 17.31mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13) (1"). Property of a European gentleman living in the UK; formerly in a private collection formed in the 1990s. The stone was examined in detail by Dr. Bonewitz who observed: 'A fine quality garnet with a slight purple cast to the red.'

Very fine condition.