Roman ring

Roman ring
ITEM: Ring
MATERIAL: Silver
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 19 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman rings were not only decorative items but also symbols of social status, personal identity, and practical utility within Roman society. Made from materials ranging from simple iron and bronze to more luxurious silver and gold, rings were worn by men and women alike and often carried significant meaning for the wearer. Wealthy individuals favored rings made of precious metals or adorned with gemstones like garnet, amethyst, and carnelian, which showcased their status and taste. Certain rings were inscribed with symbols, personal mottos, or images of gods, providing spiritual protection or conveying a personal connection to the divine. For Roman soldiers and officials, rings also served as indicators of rank and allegiance, reflecting Rome’s social hierarchies and values.

Some Roman rings had a practical purpose as well, functioning as signet rings, which were used to imprint wax seals on official documents or private correspondence. These rings, typically engraved with unique designs, family crests, or initials, allowed the wearer to secure and authenticate messages. This practice was crucial for Roman officials, merchants, and anyone involved in legal or administrative tasks. The signet ring thus became a powerful tool that symbolized authority and personal integrity, as it was an extension of the wearer’s identity and their word. Archaeological discoveries of signet rings, sometimes still bearing traces of wax, illustrate their everyday utility and the Roman emphasis on personal security and record-keeping.

Measurement:

1.9 x 1.9 cm