Finger Ring with Spiral Trail

Place of OriginLikely South Italy

Date1st century BCE-1st century CE

DimensionsMax Diam (exterior): 29/32 in. (2.35 cm); Interior Diam: 1/2 in. (1.3 cm); Bezel: 1/4 x 1/4 in. (0.7 x 0.7 cm)

MediumTooled glass

ClassificationJewelry

Credit LineGift of Dr. Leo Mildenberg

Object number

1982.86

Not on View

DescriptionA finger ring formed from a hoop of colorless glass wrapped with a spiraling opaque white thread to create a twisted appearance. The hoop supports a small, distinct bezel made of dark blue glass. The surface is currently obscured by a layer of beige weathering, haziness, and corrosion crust.

Label TextThis delicate finger ring was created to mimic the appearance of expensive twisted gold wire jewelry. The ancient glassmaker wound a thread of opaque white glass around a colorless core to create a spiraling, rope-like effect, finishing it with a dark blue glass "gem" on top. While fragile, glass rings like this were popular affordable alternatives to precious metal ornaments in the ancient Mediterranean.Published ReferencesUnpublished.