This is an ancient Roman silver intaglio ring, dating to the 2nd - 3rd century A.D. The ring has tapered triangular shoulders and a narrowed D-sectioned band. The bezel is set with its original carnelian intaglio, cut with a device of a standing figure. The intaglio is mounted within a raised collet, with a rubbed over setting. It is a simple intaglio, of provincial workmanship (likely British or Germanic). Such a ring would have been worn to act as a private signature, for sealing letters or transactions. Today it has survived to us intact, though has slight nibbling to the bezel and a small chip to the side of the gem. The intaglio is a little loose but still secured in the original setting. A nice excavated ancient Roman intaglio ring. OBJECT: Intaglio Ring CULTURE: Roman DATE: c. 2nd - 3rd century A.D. MATERIAL: Silver & carnelian RING SIZE: 5 (US) J 1/2 (UK) SIZE: 22.04mm x 18.84mm x 7.75mm (intaglio 9.02mm x 6.83mm) WEIGHT: 2.6 grams PROVENANCE: ex. private collection. Munich, Germany. Being a qualified Archaeologist (B.A. Hons) and having handled, analyzed and assessed items such as the above for 18 years, it is my judgment that the above description is true and accurate. A client purchase certificate is available for this item upon request. |