Roman, 2nd – 3rd century A.D.

Gold, cornelian

D: 3.0 cm (D: 1.18 in)

US Ring size 11.5

Serial: 1385

Provenance: Lenox Gallery, London, 1980’s; Acquired on the English art market, 1993.

This delightful finger ring is in the style of the 2nd century A. D., with two distinctive pairs of gold globules soldered to the junctions of the round hoop and bezel. A deep red carnelian is inset in a circular bezel with a chased pattern around the border. Similar designs are found among the seal rings at Pompeii and Backworth, and among later jewelry. During the height of the Empire, gold rings were widely used as personal ornaments by men and women who could afford them. Unlike Greeks, the Romans also had the custom of exchanging rings as tokens of betrothal. This ring most likely had a decorative, and perhaps symbolic function for a well-to-do Roman.

CONDITION: Scratches and soil deposits on the ring; tiny chips on the inlay.