Gold & garnet, 4.39 grams, 31.25 mm. 5th-6th century AD. A beautiful example of the goldsmith's art. The gold disc is edged with a ribbed border and an inner circular ropework band which develops into an equal-armed cross with a central rosette surrounding a cloison setting for a cabochon stone, probably a garnet. The junctions of the ropework bands are covered with gold discs (about 1.5mm diameter). The quarters are embellished with granulation (less than 1mm diameter). The loop is of the standard three-rib form for bracteates and other high-status gold jewellery of the period, influenced by both Scandinavian and Frankish design. The piece is in the same tradition as the highest-quality jewellery found in the Kentish and East Anglian barrowfields. Reference: Webster, L. & Backhouse, J. The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, p.51-3 item 33(b). Very fine condition. Ex an old collection, found Continental Europe. An XRF ancient metal test certificate from Oxford X-ray Fluorescence Ltd accompanies the piece.