Finger Ring

Unknown Artist

7th century

Finger Ring by Unknown Artist

Medium

Silver

Dimensions

Overall: 7/8 x 3/4 x 11/16 in. (2.3 x 1.9 x 1.7 cm) bezel: 11/16 in. (1.7 cm)

Classification

Metalwork-Silver

Culture

Frankish

Department

Medieval Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917

Accession Number

17.193.71a

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silver finger ring, crafted by an unknown Frankish artisan in the th century, offers a glimpse into the daily lives and craftsmanship of the Meroving Franks, who dominated much of early medieval Europe. Measuring just 7/8 x 3/4 x 11/16 inches overall, with a bezel of 11/16 inch, its compact form was designed for personal adornment, likely worn by both men and women as a symbol of status or affection. The use of silver—a precious metal worked through techniques like casting and hammering—highlights the sophisticated metalworking skills of Frankish jewelers, who drew on late Roman...

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