Ancient Gold, Pearl, Garnet, Emerald And Sapphire Ring. Roman, 4th Century Ad.

An Ancient gold ring set with pearls, garnets, emeralds and sapphires.

Roman, 4th century AD.

Ring size G UK / 3.25 US.

The bezel measures 1 x 0.8cm.

Weighs 5.7 grams.

This rare, late Roman ring is set with a multitude of gemstones collected from all over the Empire as it expanded. The quality of the goldsmiths craft is evident in the variation of shape and size of the alternating stones selected.

One emerald appears to be a replacement, the reverse of the setting slightly damaged which probably occurred during its loss or excavation.

Provenance: Private English Collection

The ring is part of a small group of late Roman rings, believed to have been made in the Mediterranean or Eastern part of the Roman Empire, although a similar ring was discovered during excavations for the Royal Exchange in London (Old Master Sculpture And Works Of Art, Sotheby’s, London, 10th July 2014, lot no.2) and a ring and a bracelet were found as part of the Romano-British Thetford hoard, discovered near Thetford in Norfolk in 1979 (British Museum, Registration numbers: 1981,0201.27 and 1981,0201.8).

The British Museum has a similar multi-gem ring which was discovered in Athens (Registration number: 1917,0501.858) and another ring purchased from the collection of Alessandro Castellani with a similar bezel and dated to the 3rd century AD (Registration number: 1872,0604.200).

References:

https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/european-sculpture-works-art-l14231/lot.2.html

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1981-0201-27

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1981-0201-8

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1917-0501-858

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1872-0604-200