★ Outstanding Gold Ring ★

AN ORNATE GREEK GOLD RING WITH HERAKLES KNOT
Circa 4th-3rd century BC.
The flat gold hoop rises to a Herakles knot bezel fashioned from two interlocking gold loops. The hoop and the loops are edged with plain gold wire and decorated with filigree and granulation work. The centre of the bezel is adorned with a lily-shaped ornament. In ancient times, the Herakles knot was thought to have magical or protective qualities. It was popular as a protective amulet, most notably as a wedding symbol.
Ring size 66 (EU), outer diameter 24 mm (max.); Gold! 4.95 g Ex European private collection, acquired on the German art market between 2004-2010.