Intaglio rings were a popular style of jewellery in Ancient Greece and across the Roman Empire. The nature of their individual production meant there was a wide variety of designs and detailings however, there were common themes, such as certain gods which were especially popular and more earthly themes such as animals and mortal figures. Doves were the more favoured of birds in Greek and Roman culture, not only because their flight would have been observed and interpreted for positive omens but, also because of their association with the Roman goddess of love, Aphrodite. Doves were indeed animals sacred to the goddess and often appear on pieces of jewellery, paintings and mosaics.
