Archaeologists in Jerusalem have discovered a 2,300-year-old gold ring at the City of David site in the Jerusalem Walls National Park. This find, dating back to the Early Hellenistic period (332-141 BC), is the second such ring unearthed in the area within a year.
The ring, small enough to fit a child, is believed to have been intentionally buried as part of a coming-of-age ritual for young women before marriage. The rings were discovered in the foundations of a large building, along with bronze earrings and a gold earring adorned with a horned animal image and a decorated gold bead.
Researchers suggest the jewelry was buried as part of a Hellenistic custom where betrothed women would bury childhood objects to symbolize their transition to adulthood. The artifacts reflect the wealth and high living standards of Jerusalem's residents during this period, and the blending of Eastern and Mediterranean influences in fashion due to Alexander the Great's conquests.