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Silver Byzantine cross signet ring, British-made and individually hand-cast in Leeds — exact historical reproduction of a Kent find
Silver Byzantine cross signet ring showing its decorated shoulders — exact historical reproduction of a Kent find
Silver Byzantine cross signet ring showing the incised cruciform bezel — exact historical reproduction of a Kent find
Silver Byzantine cross signet ring showing the circular bezel and linear shoulder detail — exact historical reproduction of a Kent find
Original Byzantine cross signet ring artefact with surviving gilding, found in Kent — source of the exact historical reproductionOriginal artefact — not for sale
Original Byzantine cross signet ring artefact showing its decorated shoulders, found in Kent — source of the exact historical reproductionOriginal artefact — not for sale
Original Byzantine cross signet ring artefact showing the reverse of the bezel and band, found in Kent — source of the exact historical reproductionOriginal artefact — not for sale
British Historical Jewellery

Byzantine Cross Signet

Sale price£159.00
Material:

Material
UK Ring Sizes:

UK Ring Sizes

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Professional measuring is recommended, particularly for wider bands. For an unusual size, contact our Leeds workshop before ordering.

A cross signet reproduced from a Kent find attributed to the Byzantine or Early Medieval period, with its surviving design preserved in precious metal.

Crafted for the Present:

  • Museum-Quality Historical Reproduction: An exact 1:1 historical reproduction cast from the original British find, preserving its surviving form and surface detail.
  • Individually Hand-Cast in Leeds: Individually hand-cast, sized and finished at our Leeds Corn Exchange workshop.
  • Approved and Hallmarked: Approved and hallmarked by the London Assay Office in the precious metal selected.

The History of the Find:

Period: 6th–8th Century AD (Byzantine / Early Medieval)

Find Location: Kent, UK

Style: Circular bezel with incised cruciform motif and linear shoulders

Significance of the Design:

This ring features a classic cruciform design associated with Byzantine and early Christian jewellery. The central cross is thought to have been more than decoration: crosses were widely worn as expressions of Christian faith and were also believed to offer divine protection. The lines radiating from the cross may have been intended to evoke light or divine radiance, a familiar idea in Christian art.

The discovery of a ring of this character in Kent is especially evocative. During the 6th and 7th centuries Kent had strong links with continental Europe and played an important role in the re-establishment of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England. A piece such as this may have belonged to a cleric, merchant, traveller or someone connected with those wider cultural links. Its grooved shoulders draw the eye towards the sacred symbol at the centre.

The Find:

Found by a metal detectorist in Kent, the original ring retains traces of gilding, suggesting that it once had a much brighter, gold-like appearance. Its presence in South East England reflects the long-distance movement of people, ideas and luxury objects between Britain and the Continent. Wear to the gilding suggests the piece was valued and used before it was finally lost.

Weight by Metal (approximate, varies by ring size):

  • Sterling Silver (925): 4.7g
  • 9ct Gold: 5.0g
  • 18ct Gold: 7.0g
  • Platinum: 9.4g

Explore the design

Read about Historical cross rings and browse our historical rings. See how each reproduction is individually hand cast in Leeds.
Silver Byzantine cross signet ring showing the circular bezel and linear shoulder detail — exact historical reproduction of a Kent find
Byzantine Cross Signet Sale price£159.00