Record

Finger ring bezel

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From Iona Abbey, Iona, Argyll

Postcard of Finger ring bezel.
000-100-043-902-C
© National Museums Scotland

Finger ring bezel

This silver and gold bezel from a finger ring is part of a hoard buried at Iona Abbey on Iona in Argyll between 986 and 990. The ring is unusual, probably Anglo-Saxon although an Irish or Scottish origin is possible.

The finger ring bezel was made of silver plate, on which gold filigree and granulation ornament were placed, together with a central circular green glass setting. It shows considerable wear.

Bezels of finger rings in this shape are unusual in the classical and medieval periods. While a few parallels can be made with Anglo-Saxon rings, the form of gold filigree also is found in Irish or Scottish metalwork.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-043-902-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IL 716
Date: Buried between 986 and 990
Material: Silver
Dimensions: 1.15" x 0.75"
What: Mount
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Argyll, Iona
Event:
Description: Silver mount found with a hoard of 10th century Anglo-Saxon coins at Iona Abbey
References:
  • Webster, Leslie. The Iona Abbey ring bezel. In: Graham-Campbell, James. The Viking-age gold and silver of Scotland (AD 850-1100). Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland, 1995, pp 49-50. 
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