Period: 6th-7th century.

Weight: 13.75 g

Finger size: 8 1/2

Byzantinge Gold Marriage ring with two portraits of a couple facing each other with a cross and the inscription HVI.

The ring continues the tradition of wearing jewelry commemorating marriage by depicting the married couple, a fashion already current in the late fourth century and one that would continue in Byzantium until the late seventh century. A cross and the inscription "HVI" emphasizes the piety of the couple, as well as Christ’s protection.

Typically the portraits are generic and not particularly realistic, although often a fashionable hairstyle or jewelry is depicted to show the status of the couple. The shoulders are adorned with a drop motif in later high carat gold setting.