Provenance and authenticity documentation available for every piece.
Roman High Karat Gold Ring with Carnelian Cabochon – “Aelius” (2nd–3rd century AD) – EU 56 / US 7.75
Material:
Era:
- Roman
Rarity:
Description
A refined Roman gold ring set with a polished oval carnelian cabochon, dating to the later Imperial period. The stone is held within a raised oval bezel, flanked by softly modelled scrollwork that extends onto the shoulders. The hoop is broad and solid, tapering gently toward the back, a characteristic form of late Roman goldsmithing. Such rings were worn as personal ornaments and were often valued for the perceived protective qualities of carnelian.
Details
Material: High karat gold with carnelian
Date: Roman, 2nd–3rd century AD
Ring Size: EU 56 / US 7.75
Provenance: Private London collection, previously acquired from a Belgian collection, 1980s to 1990s
Unique Identifier: R-R-75-G
Condition: Very good, with minor ancient wear consistent with age
Weight: 5g
Restoration and Authenticity
Offered in original, untouched condition with stable patina and no modern repairs.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Historical Context
Gold rings with gemstone cabochons were widely worn across the Roman Empire, particularly among affluent civilians, officials, and retired military personnel. Carnelian was favored for its warm color and was often associated with vitality, protection, and good fortune. Rings of this type functioned primarily as personal adornments, though they also conveyed status and cultural identity. The restrained scrollwork and solid proportions reflect late Roman tastes, balancing durability with understated decorative elegance.
Care
To maintain the beauty and integrity of your purchase, we recommend treating it with care. Simple maintenance practices, such as gentle washing and proper storage, can effectively preserve the longevity of your favorites. We encourage you to refer to the care instructions included with each item, designed to help you keep your purchase in top condition.
Authenticity
Each artifact we offer has been carefully examined by qualified professionals to ensure its authenticity. Our assessment considers historical style, craftsmanship, materials, and the wider typology of comparable pieces.
Because historical scholarship evolves, we offer a lifelong authenticity guarantee: if two independent, accredited laboratories ever determine that an item is not genuine, we will refund you in full.
What size is this ring?
The EU size of this ring is: 56
The US size of this ring is: 7.75
You can find information about ring sizes and how to determine your own, here.
Delivery Times & Processing
We prepare and ship most orders within 2–5 business days.
Delivery times depend on your location:
- EU orders: usually arrive within 1–5 business days.
- Non-EU orders: shipping typically takes 3–14 business days once dispatched.
- Export documents: Some antiquities require official export paperwork before shipping, which can take 2–8 weeks depending on the item and the issuing authority.
All orders are fully insured and you will receive tracking information as soon as your shipment is on its way.