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This remarkable ring features an ancient Roman jasper intaglio depicting Fortuna, the goddess of luck and prosperity. Carved in the late 2nd to 3rd century AD, the intaglio is a fine example of a Romano-British gemstone. Fortuna is shown crowned, holding a cornucopia in her left hand and a ship's rudder in her right, with a star shining in the background—symbols of abundance, fate, and guidance.The jasper intaglio, mottled with grey, brown, and green tones, has areas of translucency that enhance the depth of the engraving. Rings depicting Fortuna were worn in antiquity as protective amulets, invoking her favour and good fortune. Similar examples have been found in archaeological excavations, including a notable hoard of 34 intaglios discovered in a Roman bathhouse near Hadrian’s Wall, where several depicted the goddess Fortuna.The carved gemstone is rubover set in a high-karat gold signet-style ring with a smooth, domed shape. The hollow construction and tapered form reflect traditional Roman ring designs. While the mount itself in fact dates to a later period, it remains in keeping with ancient Roman jewellery aesthetics. The ring measures 22mm north to south, with a band width of 3mm, and weighs 8.76 grams. The intaglio itself measures 15mm by 12mm. The ring measures UK size S 1/2, US size 9.25. The gold tests as 18K.A rare and historically significant piece, this ring offers a tangible connection to Roman Britain and the enduring presence of Fortuna’s influence.
This remarkable ring features an ancient Roman jasper intaglio depicting Fortuna, the goddess of luck and prosperity. Carved in the late 2nd to 3rd century AD, the intaglio is a fine example of a Romano-British gemstone. Fortuna is shown crowned, holding a cornucopia in her left hand and a ship's rudder in her right, with a star shining in the background—symbols of abundance, fate, and guidance.
The jasper intaglio, mottled with grey, brown, and green tones, has areas of translucency that enhance the depth of the engraving. Rings depicting Fortuna were worn in antiquity as protective amulets, invoking her favour and good fortune. Similar examples have been found in archaeological excavations, including a notable hoard of 34 intaglios discovered in a Roman bathhouse near Hadrian’s Wall, where several depicted the goddess Fortuna.
The carved gemstone is rubover set in a high-karat gold signet-style ring with a smooth, domed shape. The hollow construction and tapered form reflect traditional Roman ring designs. While the mount itself in fact dates to a later period, it remains in keeping with ancient Roman jewellery aesthetics. The ring measures 22mm north to south, with a band width of 3mm, and weighs 8.76 grams. The intaglio itself measures 15mm by 12mm. The ring measures UK size S 1/2, US size 9.25. The gold tests as 18K.
A rare and historically significant piece, this ring offers a tangible connection to Roman Britain and the enduring presence of Fortuna’s influence.
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