Ancient Greek gold ring, circa 5th century BC.

This ring is in fine condition, commensurate with its age.

The meaning of the word 'KYTI' has been lost over time- it may be a personal name or an abbreviation of a word which had meaning to the owner. Inscriptions, such as that seen on this ring were also visible on plain central plaques. There meanings can be described by Ruseva-Slokoska in:

‘Inscriptions engraved on the plaque incorporated into the shield or on the gem itself contain the names if the owners. Others are of a votive nature, with a text expressing a plea of salvation, a promised votive offering of eulogy for happiness and welfare.’ Pg 72 Roman Jewellery by L.Ruseva-Slokoska


When dating these pieces of course we look at techniques also, of course only basic however, the ring of interest shows circular indentations found on the border, this is a technique called ‘a gobolo’ which was used ‘especially in the 4th century BC’ when a ‘round-headed drill’ was used. Pg 16; Rings, Jewellery of Power, Love and Loyalty, D. Scarisbrick.