DATE: Intaglio, Roman c.1st Century BC - Ring, contemporary

An incredible ancient intaglio dating from the Roman Republic forms the centrepiece of this gold signet ring. The carving depicts Victoria (Winged Victory - Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Nike), the personified goddess of victory, often associated with Bellona (goddess of war). Unlike Nike, Victoria was a major part of Roman society, with many temples erected in her honour including one on the Palatine Hill which would house the spoils of war from Roman victories. She was, to the Romans, a symbol of victory over death, ultimately determining who would be successful during war. The intaglio is carved into a single piece of banded agate, and the subject is depicted holding a lyre and wearing a military helmet. Set into a later high carat gold signet ring mount.

STONES 

Banded Agate - 1.4 x 1.0cm

MEASUREMENTS 

Head: 1.8 x 1.3cm

Width of band: 2.8mm

WEIGHT 

10.2g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 22k and 18k gold

CONDITION 

Very good, some minor chips to the stone edges and light wear commensurate with age