Rings of the Ancient World

More about the book

The Yevdayev Collection features 59 remarkable ancient rings from Egypt, Phoenicia, Persia, Greece, Etruria, and Rome, spanning from the second millennium BC to the fourth century AD. These rings, primarily crafted from gold or silver and often adorned with gems, showcase a variety of shapes and materials, including semiprecious stones, amber, and shell. The collection opens with four Egyptian rings from the New Kingdom, including an amethyst scarab in a gold swivel-ring and a cornelian ring bearing the cartouche of Pharaoh Thutmose III. It also includes rare Hittite and Persian rings. Phoenician examples from the seventh to fifth century BC consist of gold and stone scarabs. Unique pieces include Achaemenid and Sasanian Persian rings, a distinctive diamond ring likely from the Kushan period, and a Scythian-style Central Asian ring. Greek and Roman rings are well-represented, with Classical Greek examples featuring engraved bezels and Hellenistic rings often set with large gems. Roman rings, dating from Augustus to the fourth century AD, include finely engraved gems and rare materials like rock crystal and amber. The collection is notable for its exceptional design, craftsmanship, and rich imagery, appealing to students of ancient art, collectors, and jewelry enthusiasts. The accompanying text contextualizes the rings historically and artistically, offering valuable technical insights.