Code: 11841
This is a nice ancient Roman gold finger ring, dating to the 1st - 3rd century AD. The shank is made from solid gold, whilst the composite bezel is formed as a key ward from iron. This key ring would have been used to unlock a small yet valuable casket, probably a jewellery box. Rather than having a bronze or iron shank, as with most key rings (DENO-1E6A53, ESS-E8A212 and IOW-9EF205), the owner of this little ring was likely a very wealthy aristocratic lady. Today, the ring has survived in good excavated condition, the iron ward is original and has not been restored. Inside the band is an excavation or collectors inventry number. Wonderful and very rare find that likely opened a precious jewellery casket now lost to time!
OBJECT: Finger Ring / Key Ring
CULTURE: Roman
DATE: c. 1st - 3rd century AD.
MATERIAL: Gold & Iron
RING SIZE: 4 3/4 (US) J 1/4 (UK)
SIZE: 25.26mm x 21.59 x 4.49mm (bezel 12.93mm x 9.32mm x 8.64)
WEIGHT: 8.92 grams
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, collected in the 1980s.
