Roman Gold Ring - Garnet Intaglio - March - 2nd Century Ce - Provenance

Elegant ring Roman in gold is adorned with a intaglio made of garnet that is finely engraved, depicting the god Mars.

The ring features a carinated band, topped by an oval setting holding a garnet intaglio. The intaglio depicts Mars standing on a ground line, naked except for his crested helmet. The god holds a spear in his left hand and carries a trophy on his right shoulder.

This depiction of the god of war, combining military attributes with heroic nudity, follows the iconographic tradition of Roman glyptic art. The finesse of the engraving and the combination of gold and garnet lend this piece a particularly refined character.

For a comparable example, see the Classical Art Research Centre, registration number 40009716.

Inner diameter: 15.29 mm (US 4 1/4 – UK I).

1.8 g.

Roman period—2nd century CE

Formerly in a private London collection; acquired in Brussels; formerly in a Swiss private collection, assembled between 1901 and 1981.

A beautiful example of Roman glyptic art, intended for collectors of ancient archaeology and historical jewelry.