Over two thousand years ago, during the flowering of the Classical era, this simple gold band would have decorated the finger of a wealthy merchant or victorious general. Gold have always been among the most precious of metals, valued as much for its rarity and for its luminous beauty. Even during the time of Alexander the Great, this undecorated ring would have been instantly appreciated throughout the lands of his kingdom, from the shores of the Adriatic to the banks of the Indus. Gold denominations of coins were some of the most expensive currency traded during the Hellenistic era, thus, for someone to be able to wear, as a piece of jewelry, something of such inherent value, would have been a sign of great wealth, envied by all. We can easily imagine a king bestowing this ring to once of his faithful subjects or donning the ring himself. Although the ring is unadorned, the luxury of the metal speaks for itself. The gold needs no incised patterns to enhance its desirability, for the beauty of the ring is already as overwhelming as its history.