11th-12th century A.D. A Byzantine chalcedony gemstone bearing intaglio bust of the nimbate Saint Nicholas of Myra holding cross on globe; set into a later gold ring with round-section hoop supporting an ellipsoid bezel with raised cell. Cf. Baldini Lippolis, I., L'Oreficeria nell'Impero di Costantinopoli tra IV e VII secolo (the Jewellery in the Empire of Constantinople between IV and VII century, in Italian), Bari, 1999, pp.199ff, for the type of ring; for one of the oldest East Roman image of Saint Nicholas cf. the ivory sculpture of Mary, baby Jesus and Saint Nicholas on the front cover of a codex of Gospels from 950-1050 in Wurzburg cathedral in Hefner-Alteneck, J.H. von, Trachten, Kunstwerke und Geräthschaften von fruhen Mittelalter bis Ende des Achtzenten Jahrhunderts (Costumes, Artworks and Appliances from the Middle Ages to the end of 17th Century), Frankfurt, 1879, pl.41. 4.60 grams, 23.75 mm overall, 19.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13) (1 in.). European art market before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. The nimbate saint on the ring seems to be Saint Nicholas of Myra, one of the most represented saints in the Orthodox world, and the ring probably belonged to a high prelate. Fifth century records indicate that the grave of the saint became the site of numerous pilgrimages. People came from all around the Empire and abroad to venerate his relics and to implore his intercession, and many miracles were recorded at the site of his tomb. Thus St. Nicholas, after the Blessed Mother and St. John the Baptist, became the most venerated saint in the Orthodox Church.