Ancient Roman Intaglio Ring

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    • An ancient Roman ring dating to the late 2nd to 3rd century AD, crafted in solid high-karat gold, approximately 21K, and set with an engraved carnelian intaglio. Rings of this type were widely worn across the Roman Empire and often served both personal and symbolic functions, acting as seals, talismans, or markers of status.

      The carnelian gem is crudely engraved with a motif of antiquity. While schematic in execution, comparable examples in the British Museum suggest the subject may represent a dolphin, a popular Roman motif associated with the sea and the god Neptune. In Roman belief, dolphins could also symbolise safe passage and the soul’s journey, occasionally linking such rings to funerary or commemorative contexts.

       The deliberately rough engraving style is characteristic of Romano-British intaglios from this period, where local workshops produced functional seals rather than finely finished classical gems. Closely related examples can be found in the British Museum, including items 1986,0401.193 and 1986,0401.194 from the Snettisham Roman jeweller’s hoard.

      The ring weighs 5.4 grams, a strong and reassuring weight for its size, and fits approximately a UK size G½, US size 3.5. The intaglio measures approximately 6 x 3 mm, with the ring measuring around 5 mm across the front. The gold tests as high karat, around 21K, and is unmarked, as expected for the period.

      Remarkably well preserved, the ring survives in excellent and fully wearable condition. The setting is secure, the band solid, and the overall construction robust enough for careful regular wear despite its great age. A compelling and tangible survival from Roman Britain, suitable for both scholarly interest and serious antiquarian jewellery collections.
    An ancient Roman ring dating to the late 2nd to 3rd century AD, crafted in solid high-karat gold, approximately 21K, and set with an engraved carnelian intaglio. Rings of this type were widely worn across the Roman Empire and often served both personal and symbolic functions, acting as seals, talismans, or markers of status.

    The carnelian gem is crudely engraved with a motif of antiquity. While schematic in execution, comparable examples in the British Museum suggest the subject may represent a dolphin, a popular Roman motif associated with the sea and the god Neptune. In Roman belief, dolphins could also symbolise safe passage and the soul’s journey, occasionally linking such rings to funerary or commemorative contexts.

     The deliberately rough engraving style is characteristic of Romano-British intaglios from this period, where local workshops produced functional seals rather than finely finished classical gems. Closely related examples can be found in the British Museum, including items 1986,0401.193 and 1986,0401.194 from the Snettisham Roman jeweller’s hoard.

    The ring weighs 5.4 grams, a strong and reassuring weight for its size, and fits approximately a UK size G½, US size 3.5. The intaglio measures approximately 6 x 3 mm, with the ring measuring around 5 mm across the front. The gold tests as high karat, around 21K, and is unmarked, as expected for the period.

    Remarkably well preserved, the ring survives in excellent and fully wearable condition. The setting is secure, the band solid, and the overall construction robust enough for careful regular wear despite its great age. A compelling and tangible survival from Roman Britain, suitable for both scholarly interest and serious antiquarian jewellery collections.

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