Post by UKarchaeology on Nov 11, 2015 15:31:26 GMT
A massive gold-plated silver ring with an obsidian gemstone dating from the Late Middle Ages has been discovered by the archaeologists excavating the ancient and medieval rock city of Perperikon (Perperik) near the southern Bulgarian city of Kardzhali in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains.
The team of archaeologist Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov has presented its latest finds from Perperikon with the completion of the 2015 excavations and restoration works in the rock city.
“We discovered the ring back in September but it was in a very bad condition, and covered with a thick layer of patina,” Ovcharov explains, as cited by the 24 Chasa daily.
He adds that the medieval ring
has been restored by the finest goldsmiths and jewelers from the city of Kardzhali who have marveled at its sophisticated craftsmanship.
They have been especially impressed with the fine polishing of the gemstone made of obsidian, i.e. volcanic glass, reports the Novinar daily.
“This semi-precious stone is very hard to process so we have really come across an incredible jewel,” says the archaeologist.
It is believed that the gold-plated silver ring belonged to the wife of an aristocrat from the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185-1396 AD), or, alternatively, to a Byzantine noble as the Perperikon Fortress changed hands between Bulgaria and Byzantium a number of times in the Late Middle Ages.
However, because of its large size it is also possible that the ring was worn by a man.
Full story & pics: archaeologyinbulgaria.com/2015/11/05/archaeologists-find-exquisite-medieval-ring-with-obsidian-gemstone-in-bulgarias-rock-city-perperikon-complete-excavations-of-its-acropolis/