Glass finger ring

3rd–2nd century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171
Translucent cobalt blue.
Broad hoop with D-shaped cross section with beveled edges, broadening into large oval bezel, concave on upper surface, with raised rim sloping outwards.
The bezel would have been decorated with an inlay made of stone or glass imitating a gem.
Complete except for large hole in center of hollow bezel and weathering crack across back of hoop; pitting, patches of thick creamy weathering, and brilliant iridescence.

The concave oval bezel originally would have contained a decorative stone or imitation glass gem.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Glass finger ring
  • Period: Hellenistic
  • Date: 3rd–2nd century BCE
  • Culture: Greek, Eastern Mediterranean
  • Medium: Glass; cast and cut
  • Dimensions: H.: 15/16 in. (2.4 cm)
    Diam. (of bezel): 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
  • Classification: Glass
  • Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
  • Object Number: 91.1.1518
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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