An amethyst gemstone seal from the Second Temple period has a unique engraving: a bird and a branch with five fruits, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

---

The 2,000-year-old seal was discovered in the bedrock foundations of the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel.

The tiny artifact has a hole for the attachment of a metal wire enabling it to be worn as a ring.

It was examined by IAA archaeologist Dr. Eli Shukron, Professor Shua Amorai-Stark from Kaye Academic College of Education, Dr. Malka Hershkovitz from Jewish Institute of Religion, and their colleagues.

“Seals were used to sign documents and could also be fashionable items serving as jewelry,” the researchers said.

News Source