Theodora Double Ring
Meet Theodora - a double ring fit for an empress! This dazzling ring is based on a 6th century AD Byzantine example. Here, two rectangular precious stones sitting inside of beaded bezels surround a circular stone centerpiece, which is supported by golden spheres.
Empress Theodora (l. AD 490-548) was the wife of Justinian I, who became emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire in AD 527. Little is certain about her early life, though she was likely from Constantinople and worked as an actress. Justinian fell in love with Theodora, but it was against the law for a man of senatorial rank to marry someone involved in a "lowly" profession. Once the law was changed, the two married. Once Justinian rose to the throne, Theodora was crowned Augusta, and the two ruled together as partners. She had great influence over her husband, becoming his closest advisor, participating in state councils, and helping him make political as well as religious decisions. Indeed, she became quite a powerful public figure of her own.
"Justinian conceived for her an overpowering love ... Theodora accordingly succeeded at once in acquiring extraordinary influence and a fairly large fortune." -Procopius, Anec., IX.30-31
