Ancient Roman Agate Intaglio Ring
Offers close Sunday 15 NovemberReplies within hours
Tax included.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Drop A Hint
Visit Our London Showroom
Our London showroom is open by appointment only.
Email
info@ravensburyantiques.com
to arrange a visit.
-
An ancient Roman gold intaglio ring of the 2nd to 3rd century AD: a fine Romano-British example with a conical banded agate.An intaglio is a gemstone engraved in reverse, used as a seal. The cone-shaped agate shades from honey brown to greyish blue and is engraved with the bust of a man in a helmet. The helmet is possibly winged, which would make him Mercury, god of commerce, financial gain and communication; Romans wore his image hoping for his protection and good fortune.Comparable conical intaglio rings are held in museums from the British Museum to the Louvre, and in the Alice and Louis Koch collection (items 234, 235, 241 and 301); see the final photos.The hollow 22K gold hoop is D-shaped in section and silky to wear: a piece of Roman Britain to wear every day.Details: 2nd–3rd century AD; Roman, Romano-British; unmarked, tests as 22K gold; banded agate intaglio; UK O½, US 7½; 4.15g.Condition: Good overall; the intaglio is very secure in the mount.
Further reading: Roman Signet Rings: How the Romans Sealed, What Survives and How to Wear One
An ancient Roman gold intaglio ring of the 2nd to 3rd century AD: a fine Romano-British example with a conical banded agate.
An intaglio is a gemstone engraved in reverse, used as a seal. The cone-shaped agate shades from honey brown to greyish blue and is engraved with the bust of a man in a helmet. The helmet is possibly winged, which would make him Mercury, god of commerce, financial gain and communication; Romans wore his image hoping for his protection and good fortune.
Comparable conical intaglio rings are held in museums from the British Museum to the Louvre, and in the Alice and Louis Koch collection (items 234, 235, 241 and 301); see the final photos.
The hollow 22K gold hoop is D-shaped in section and silky to wear: a piece of Roman Britain to wear every day.
Details: 2nd–3rd century AD; Roman, Romano-British; unmarked, tests as 22K gold; banded agate intaglio; UK O½, US 7½; 4.15g.
Condition: Good overall; the intaglio is very secure in the mount.
Further reading: Roman Signet Rings: How the Romans Sealed, What Survives and How to Wear One
OUR PROMISE
We will always guarantee the authenticity of every piece we sell
We offer a no questions asked 30-day return policy on all orders
All our items are sent boxed and gift wrapped with free global insured shipping
We examine, describe and photograph all our jewellery with the utmost care
