A 2,300-year-old gold ring has been discovered in Israel: it may have belonged to a young bride.

A team of archaeologists has discovered a 2,300-year-old gold ring in the City of David, Jerusalem, during excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University. The ring, adorned with a red stone, likely a garnet, was found in the Givati ​​parking lot, near the traditional site of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Because of its small size, the ring is believed to have belonged to a girl or young woman during the early Hellenistic period, around the third century BC. Researchers suggest it may have been buried as part of a rite of passage marking the transition from childhood to adulthood, Live Science reports.

The discovery was made while archaeologists were sifting through soil at the site. Initially, they thought it was a modern jewel, but upon closer examination, they confirmed its age.

This ring is the second of its kind discovered in the area in less than a year . Both were found at the base of a large structure, along with other jewelry, including bronze earrings, a gold animal-shaped pendant, and a decorated gold bead.

The ring was made by hammering thin sheets of gold onto a metal base, a technique common in the Persian and early Hellenistic periods. During this time, gold jewelry set with stones was popular, influenced by the fashions of India and Persia following the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Gold jewelry with set stones was popular, influenced by the fashions of India and Persia following the conquests of Alexander the Great.

The discovery provides tangible evidence of the wealth and high standard of living of Jerusalem's inhabitants during that period. Archaeologists believe these discoveries offer a new perspective on the city's identity and status during the Hellenistic era.

The ring will be displayed to the public during the " Mysteries of Jerusalem " conference, organized by the Israel Antiquities Authority on Jerusalem Day, at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Archaeology Campus in Israel. The discovery highlights the historical significance of Jerusalem and its cultural legacy, offering a tangible connection to the people who lived there more than two millennia ago.

A team of archaeologists has discovered a 2,300-year-old gold ring in the City of David, Jerusalem, during excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University. The ring, adorned with a red stone, likely a garnet, was found in the Givati ​​parking lot, near the traditional site of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.