ROMAN CHRISTIAN RING, 300-450 AD, SIZE 9 3/4

Probably made for a man but size allows for man or woman. 2.1mm rounded band. Rounded corner square bezel inscribed with a cross within a diamond. See ANCIENT RINGS, Pollio, p.81 for a similar ring in gold dated 364-378AD. The decoration is an early interpretation of the Star of Bethlehem with the cross superimposed. Christianity was legalized and protected in Rome in 313 by the Edict of Milan and declared the official religion of the Roman Empire by the Edict of Theodosius in 380. This example is gilt bronze with the 24karat gold surface restored for modern wear. Gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.