Ostrogothic Jewelry

Rings made in the 6th-10th centuries.

Hoop earrings with fourteen-s ided beads derived from late Roman jewelry and were adopted by eastern Germanic women in the fifth century. Versions have been found made of silver and gold, some with simple unadorned beads, others inlaid with semiprecio us stones or glass.

This ring is engraved with a female bust and inscribed in reverse: + GUMED/RUTA VEC, which is the Germanic name Gumedruta followed by an abbreviate d, honorific title, possibly including the Latin 'V(irg o) E(gregia)& #39; ('Illu strious maiden&#39 . This is the only early Italian ring to portray a woman. She is shown wearing Byzantine- influenced costume with a diadem with triple pendants, a mantle and a single disc brooch.