Heavy Roman Gold Ring Set With A Nicolo Intaglio. Roman, 3rd Century Ad.

A Heavy Roman Gold Ring Set with a Nicolo Intaglio.

Roman, 3rd century AD.

A substantial and finely worked Roman gold ring, weighing 26.62 grams, the solid hoop broadening at the shoulders into elegant voluted scrolls. The oval bezel is set with a layered nicolo agate intaglio, the dark upper stratum revealing a paler blue beneath. The intaglio is finely engraved with a standing warrior, helmeted and facing left, rendered with a confident economy of line.

Ring size: O (UK) / 7.25 (US) / 55 (EU)

Weight: 26.62 grams

This robust and refined example likely served as a personal signet or symbol of status, its craftsmanship suggesting an owner of considerable rank or distinction.

Provenance:
Private French Collection.

Comparisons:

• British Museum, London
A comparable Roman gold ring with voluted shoulders and nicolo intaglio.
Registration number: 1917,0501.536
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1917-0501-536

• Musée du Louvre, Paris
Three Roman rings of similar form set with nicolo intaglios:
Bj 1286 – https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010255837
Bj 1287 – https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010255838
Bj 1288 – https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010255839

• Art Institute of Chicago
A Roman gold ring with nicolo intaglio depicting Eros.
Reference number: 2013.1105
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/203700/finger-ring-with-intaglio-depicting-eros