Ancient Roman Agate Intaglio Ring
From the Journal
Intaglio Rings and Jewellery: A Collector's Guide
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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.
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.
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