Provenance and authenticity documentation available for every piece.
Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring of Minerva in Victorian Gold Mount – “Minerva” (2nd–3rd CE, Mount 19th CE) – EU 61 / US 8.75
Material:
Era:
- Roman
Rarity:
Description
This ring unites an authentic Roman carnelian intaglio with a finely made Victorian high carat gold setting. The hexagonal gemstone is engraved with the standing figure of Minerva, helmeted and holding spear and shield, cut in a confident linear style intended for use as a functional seal. The ancient gem is precisely fitted into an openwork bezel with scrolling shoulders and gold pellets, reflecting refined 19th century historicist taste. The setting was designed to present and preserve the Roman engraving without alteration.
Details
Material: High carat gold with Roman carnelian intaglio
Date: Roman Imperial gem, 2nd–3rd century CE; gold mount, 19th century CE
Ring Size: EU 61 / US 8.75
Weight: 8 g
Provenance: London ancient art collector, formerly in a Mayfair private collection, acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s
Unique Identifier: R-143-G
Condition: Very good, with crisp intaglio carving and a well preserved historic gold mount
Restoration and Authenticity
Offered in original, untouched condition with stable patina and no modern repairs.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Historical Context
Intaglios depicting Minerva were favored in the Roman world by soldiers, administrators, and educated elites, reflecting ideals of wisdom, strategy, and protection. Such gemstones served as personal seals and symbols of authority in daily life. In the 19th century, collectors often remounted ancient intaglios in high quality gold settings, valuing them as both classical artworks and prestigious personal objects. This ring illustrates the continued appreciation of Roman glyptic art across centuries.
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: 61
The US size of this ring is: 8.75
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.