Archaeologists in were recently amazed and moved to uncover a rare small gold ring set with a precious stone – apparently made for and worn by a little boy or girl who lived there during the Hellenistic period some 2,300 years ago. The digs were carried out jointly by the (IAA) and (TAU) as part of the Jerusalem Walls National Park, with the support of the Elad Foundation. “It is an unusual and deeply moving find, not one that we find every day,” the archaeological team said.
The red precious stone is apparently a garnet, and the gold is a very refined material that is very well-preserved. Since its last use over two millennia ago, the ring has not accumulated rust or suffered any other weathering of time. This special ring was recently discovered by Tehiya Gangate, a City of David excavation team member, while she was sifting earth through a screen and suddenly saw something glitter.
“I immediately yelled, ‘I found a ring, I found a ring!’ Within seconds, everyone gathered around me, and there was great excitement. This is an emotionally moving find. I always wanted to find gold jewelry, and I am very happy this dream came true – literally a week before I went on maternity leave.
” IAA excavation directors Dr. Yiftah Shalev and Riki Zalut Har-tov said: “The ring is very small. It might fit a woman’s pinky or a young girl's or boy’s finger.
Dr. Marion Zindel added that the ring was created by hammering thin pre-cut gold leaves on a metal ring base. Stylis.