Afghan Silver Portrait Ring

Stern in profile, a coin-like head sits framed on a thick band.

This portrait ring is from Afghanistan. It is silver. Silver rings in Afghanistan and neighboring Central Asia were made in many forms, and a flat bezel could be engraved or set with a stone or small image. Wide-banded, the ring has a raised round bezel holding a bearded, curly-haired profile in low relief. Dark patches of tarnish fill the shoulders and ring surface, and polished high points shine.

A very serious profile, worn on a very serious finger.