During excavations in Jerusalem, a gold ring with a red garnet (stone) was found that was approximately 2,300 years old. The jewelry apparently belonged to a child and came from the region’s Hellenistic period, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said on Monday.
Due to the high durability of gold, there are no visible signs of wear on the jewelry. The ring fell into the hands of an excavation worker while she was sifting dirt. “Suddenly I saw something sparkling,” she said. “I immediately shouted, ‘I found a ring!'”
Gold ring probably belonged to a child
The whole team was very enthusiastic. “It is a very moving find; you don’t find something like this every day.” Due to its small size, the researchers assumed the ring belonged to a boy or a girl. Otherwise, it will only fit a woman’s little finger (see image below).
The jewelry is made by attaching thin gold leaves to a metal base with a hammer. Stylistically, the ring fits into the Persian and early Hellenistic era, from the late 4th to early 3rd centuries BC. “At that time, people began to prefer gold with stones over decorated gold,” the statement said.
Gold jewelry is widespread in the Hellenistic world
Gold jewelry is said to have been very common in the Hellenistic world since the reign of Alexander the Great, who was king of Macedon from 336 until his death in 323 BC. “His conquests helped spread and transport luxury goods and products,” the researchers report.
Alexander systematically expanded his empire through military campaigns. The area of what was then Palestine – where present-day Israel is located – also became part of his empire. The inhabitants of Jerusalem at the time were apparently “open to the widespread Hellenistic style,” according to the IAA scientists.
Source: Krone
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