(Photo By: Dafna Gazit/Israel Antiquities Authority)

By: Rossella Tercatin - November 4, 2021

A unique gold ring featuring a delicate purple amethyst stone was uncovered in the excavation of a Byzantine winery complex in Yavne, the Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced.

The wine factory was used to produce the legendary regional wine, known as Gaza or Ashkelon wine after the ports from where it was exported all over the Mediterranean. The jewel was unearthed near one of the warehouses.

“The person who owned the ring was affluent, and the wearing of the jewel indicated their status and wealth,” said Dr. Amir Golani on Tuesday, an IAA expert on ancient jewelry. “Such rings could be worn by both men and women.

“Amethysts are mentioned in the Bible as one of the 12 precious stones worn by the high priest of the Temple on his ceremonial breastplate,” he added. “Many virtues have been attached to this gem [amethysts], including the prevention of the side effect of drinking, the hangover.”

According to the archaeologists, there could be a connection between this quality attributed to the stone and the location where it was found.

Read More: Jerusalem Post

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