Roman Gold Intaglio Ring Olive Merchant

Code: 10674

This is an ancient Roman gold intaglio ring, dating to the 2nd - 3rd century A.D. The ring is set with its original carnelian intaglio cut with a pair of olives. The two olives are depicted as growing on the same branch with leaves. The bezel of the ring is tightly rubbed flush to the gem, the field is then decorated with pontile work forming a border. This would give an added security to the seal once stamped. The ring is made from a high carat yellow gold, very soft in this grade, thus bears a few scuffs and nicks from the time buried in the soil. It has not been touched since excavation and is perfectly wearable today.

OBJECT: Intaglio Ring

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd - 3rd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold

RING SIZE:   6 3/4 (US)   N 1/2 (UK)

SIZE: 19mm x 19 x 2mm (bezel 10mm x 9mm) intaglio 5mm x 4mm 

WEIGHT: 5 gram

PROVENANCE: Ex. European private collection, Spain.