-
A particularly small ancient Roman ring, dating from the Early Imperial period, circa 1st century BC, featuring a finely carved intaglio of a bearded male figure—possibly a philosopher or deity—engraved into a banded agate gemstone. A distinctive white streak bisects the stone, adding contrast to the deeply cut profile.The ring is crafted in high karat gold, testing to approximately 23K, and formed with a truncated bezel and a hollow interior. The early Roman ring is in the Hellenistic tradition but typical of 1st century BC. The design is both lightweight and sculptural, with the bezel rising 6mm from the base of the finger. The intaglio itself measures 10 x 7mm.With an internal diameter of just 14 x 13mm (UK size C½, US size 1), the ring was likely intended for a child or young woman.This piece is remarkably well-preserved and bears close comparison to similar Roman rings in major museum collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum (accession no. 8781-1863), the British Museum (1872,0604.182) and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (object no. 1995.85.2 and 74.51.4244). Comparable examples can also be found in the famed Alice and Louis Koch Collection (see items 134 and 142). See final image for reference.It weighs 2.63 grams in total.A rare survival from the ancient world, delicately scaled and rich in historical significance.
A particularly small ancient Roman ring, dating from the Early Imperial period, circa 1st century BC, featuring a finely carved intaglio of a bearded male figure—possibly a philosopher or deity—engraved into a banded agate gemstone. A distinctive white streak bisects the stone, adding contrast to the deeply cut profile.
The ring is crafted in high karat gold, testing to approximately 23K, and formed with a truncated bezel and a hollow interior. The early Roman ring is in the Hellenistic tradition but typical of 1st century BC. The design is both lightweight and sculptural, with the bezel rising 6mm from the base of the finger. The intaglio itself measures 10 x 7mm.
With an internal diameter of just 14 x 13mm (UK size C½, US size 1), the ring was likely intended for a child or young woman.
This piece is remarkably well-preserved and bears close comparison to similar Roman rings in major museum collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum (accession no. 8781-1863), the British Museum (1872,0604.182) and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (object no. 1995.85.2 and 74.51.4244). Comparable examples can also be found in the famed Alice and Louis Koch Collection (see items 134 and 142). See final image for reference.
It weighs 2.63 grams in total.
A rare survival from the ancient world, delicately scaled and rich in historical significance.
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
