Roman Gold Triple-bezel Ring

£ 3,500.00

A Roman gold double-hooped ring, decorated with various gemstones. Two oval bezels feature to the sides, and are set with a rich purple amethyst stone. A cone-shaped bezel sits in-between, enclosing a bright green emerald. Stylised discs decorate the top of each bezel whilst gold beads decorate the bottoms. The beads of the middle bezel extend downwards, connecting the two hoops.

Period: 3rd-4th century AD
Provenance: UK art market, acquired prior to 2000.
Condition: Very fine condition. Ring size: UK size S

SOLD

SKU: AH-530 Category: Tag:

The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential accessory, for it provided a public display of their wealth. Roman jewellery at first followed trends set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but as the power and spread of the Roman Empire increased, so too did jewellery designs became increasingly elaborate. Different cultural styles from Greece, Egypt, North Africa, and the Orient were all incorporated to reflect Rome’s prosperity as a dominant, conquering city. The wide range of natural resources enabled artisans to create ostentatious jewellery using a diverse selection of materials: this increasingly included sapphires, diamonds, emeralds, garnet and amber from India, and pearls (which were particularly prized). Archaeological finds of Roman jewellery are relatively rare, considering the magnitude of Roman civilisation, and the historical and geographical span of the Empire.

The custom of wearing rings was popular amongst the Romans, and was probably introduced by the Sabines, who are described in early legends as wearing gold rings with precious stones. During the Roman Republic it became customary for all the senators, chief magistrates, and at last for the equites also, to wear gold rings.

Weight 10.3 g
Dimensions L 4.4 cm
Culture

Metal

Semi-Precious Stones

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Reference: Literature: Cf. Chadour, A.B. Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 435 for type.