Date: c. 1100 A.D.Weight: 9.23 gramsSize: 9.25 (U.S.) / S 1/2 (U.K.) History of the Artifact One of the most intimate pieces in our shop is this Byzantine silver ring celebrating the love of two Byzantine newlyweds, featured on the seal, with a cross between the two. The ring is full of surprises; carved at the base of the ring are inscribed in Ancient Greek the phrases 'OMO' and 'NIA', legend for ‘Omonia’ meaning 'agreement, harmony'. The sentiment inscribed naturally refers to the marital harmony of the couple featured in the seal of the ring. Similar examples can be found in the Griffin Collection of the Metropolitan Museum in gold (Catalogue number: L.2015.72.5). A note on Byzantine marriage rings such as the one in our collection: Byzantine marriage rings featuring the couple in the seal were symbolic tokens of love and commitment, often crafted from gold or silver. These rings typically depicted the bride and groom standing side by side, sometimes with Christ or a saint blessing their union. The engraved imagery reinforced the spiritual and legal significance of marriage in Byzantine society. The presence of a cross, typically placed between the couple, highlights the divine aspect of the bond. Inscriptions, such as prayers or vows, were common, adding a personal and sacred touch. These rings not only served as jewelry but also as enduring representations of marital devotion and social status. Authenticity Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process. Your order will include: Byzantine Empire Silver Ring as seen in photos Certificate of Authenticity Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.
