2nd/3rd C. Silver Carnelian Ring

Description

2nd/3rd Century Silver and Carnelian Intaglio Ring Depicting the Roman God Mercury

This interesting 2nd/3rd century silver Roman intaglio ring is very small, probably a lady's little finger ring and it forms a D-shape. The length along the flat surface of the D measures 15 mm.

The ring is mounted with a carnelian engraved with the figure of the god Mercury and is set in an unusually pronounced silver roundel. The carnelian is of a dark orange-red colour merging into a white-blue at the feet of the Mercury. There is a minor chip at the edge of the intaglio, but the engraving of Mercury is undamaged and very clear.