Roman Empire, circa 200–300 AD
This substantial Roman ring is finely crafted in high karat gold (approximately 20.64 Kt). Its broad shoulders are pierced with an elegant openwork design of ivy leaves, a motif especially favored in the 3rd century AD. The ring is set with a semi-transparent carnelian intaglio engraved with the profile bust of Sol Invictus, the “Unconquered Sun,” who was elevated to the rank of chief deity of the Roman Empire by Emperor Aurelian in 274 AD.
Rings with wide openwork shoulders were particularly fashionable during the 3rd century. Comparable examples are illustrated in Treasures of the Ferrell Collection by Jeffrey Spier (pp. 56–58), while related ivy leaf designs are published on page 118 of the same volume. Further examples of Roman openwork rings appear in Rings of the Ancient World by Jeffrey Spier and Jack Ogden.
The ring is preserved in excellent original condition and remains fully wearable.
The intaglio measures 14 x 13 mm (9/16 x 4/8 in.)
Weight is 9.69 grams
Metal analysis: 86.01% gold, 11.57% silver, 2.42% copper.
Approximate ring size 10 (21 mm) resizable
