Medieval Bronze Pentagram Ring 7th-9th Century AD

A flat sectioned bronze finger-ring with a large bezel engraved with an encircled/dotted five-point star. 20.9 mm overall, 18.9 internal diameters. The pentagram on the bezel, also known as the "Philosopher’s Star" because the four side points represented the four elements of which they understood the universe to be made, clockwise: Air, Earth, Water, and Fire, with the topmost point representing Mind, and the centre of the star representing Spirit. Many Romans wore it symbolizing rebellion against the more traditional gods of the Roman State, emphasizing Mind and Science triumphant over magic and ignorance. From the collection of EU gentleman living in UK. Acquired on the German art market.