Roman Gold Finger Ring with Garnet

$631.48

An extremely fine Roman finger ring modelled in high karat gold, featuring a D shaped loop with slightly expanding shoulders and an oval shaped bezel holding a cabochon garnet inset. The Romans enjoyed wearing rings not only on all the fingers but also on the knuckles, hence the small size of such ring. Closest UK ring size: A

Date: Circa 1st-3rd century AD
Provenance: Ex Important Private Japanese collection of a deceased gentleman, 1970-2015
Condition: Excellent condition, some earthly encrustation around the garnet. Suitable for wear with care.

SOLD

SKU: LD-232 Category:

As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth. Following the spread of the Roman Empire, Roman jewellery became more and more elaborate in the designs and in the materials used, such as garnet. In Antiquity, garnet was very popular due to its deep colouration and for the meaning that was attributed to it. The word garnet originates from the Latin word granatus translating to seed or grain. In Ancient Greek and Roman mythology, Hades gave pomegranate seeds to his lover Persephone, as a token of safety, while she was leaving the underworld to join her mother Demeter in the human world. The semi-precious stone, recalling the colour and the shape of the pomegranate seed, became a typical gift exchanged between separated lovers.

To discover more about gemstones in Antiquity, please visit our relevant blog post: The History and Mythology of Jewellery in Antiquity.

Weight 3.12 g
Dimensions W 1.3 cm
Culture

Metal

Semi-Precious Stones

Region

Reference: For a similar item, The Metropolitan Museum, item number 74.51.4260