A 2,300-year-old gold ring set with a red gemstone has been discovered during excavations in the City of David. The ring was likely a coming-of-age gift from a wealthy Jerusalem family to a young person. It dates to the late 3rd century or early 2nd century BC, during the Early Hellenistic period.
According to researchers, gold jewelry set with precious stones was influenced by eastern countries such as India and Persia. This was made possible by the trade channels opened by Alexander the Great’s conquests.
Responding to this and other discoveries (another ring and earring), one researcher stated, “This displayed wealth is very rare in any archaeological layer, and it attests to the wealth of Jerusalem and the high standard of living of the city’s residents during this period.”