Gold, 3.69 grams, 23.02 mm, int.dia. 20.94 mm (US size 11 3/8, British size W½). 6th-11th century AD. A decorative finger ring with Christian significance. The hoop is constructed as a herringbone filigree panel within billeted borders, surmounted by a hollow bezel flanked by large (about 2.5mm) single granulations. The upper surface bears an incised pattern: a monogram between two crosses. The monogram appears to be formed from the Greek alpha and omega (signifying the beginning and the end) between two upright characters (epsilon and possibly psi). Similar combinations of crosses and Greek-based monograms were in use in the eastern Mediterranean in the early Christian era. The emphatic pair of crosses and the gold fabrication suggest that this ring was commissioned by an important figure in the Christian establishment. The design is lightly incised, but would have served as a signet ring. Reference: cf. similar design on a ring from Behnesa, Egypt in Oman, C.C. Victoria and Albert Museum Catalogue of Rings 1930, reprinted Ipswich, 1993, page 61, pl.VII item no.211. Extremely fine condition. Provenance: found Continental Europe, from an old English collection.