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Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Intaglio – “Leo et Cervus” (2nd–3rd c. AD) – EU 59 / US 8.5
€2.800,00
Material:
Era:
- Late Roman
Rarity:
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Description
An exceptional Roman gold ring from the 2nd–3rd century AD, set with a carnelian intaglio engraved with a lion attacking a deer. A masterpiece of Imperial artistry symbolizing strength, victory, and divine order.
Description
This finely engraved carnelian intaglio depicts a stylized lion overpowering a deer, rendered with elegant linear detail emphasizing motion and tension. The image symbolizes triumph over chaos, a theme deeply rooted in Roman ideology and associated with divine strength. The gem is set in a possibly later high-karat gold ring featuring a twisted rope border and openwork shoulders terminating in floral motifs. The warm tone of the gold complements the deep red of the carnelian, producing a striking contrast characteristic of elite Roman craftsmanship.
Details
Material: High-karat gold with carnelian intaglio
Date: Roman Empire, 2nd–3rd Century AD
Ring Size: EU 59 / US 8.5
Weight: 6.5 g
Condition: Excellent ancient condition; intaglio and setting fully intact with minor wear consistent with age
Provenance: Private UK collection; previously German art market, 1990s
Unique Identifier: R-R-77-G
Restoration and Authenticity
Offered in original, untouched condition with no modern repairs. Cleared against the Art Loss Register and accompanied by a confirmation letter and Certificate of Authenticity.
Historical Context
The lion attacking a deer was a powerful emblem in Roman art, symbolizing domination, renewal, and cosmic order—echoing both mythological and imperial themes. Such imagery adorned personal seals and jewelry of high-ranking Romans, blending artistic beauty with symbolic meaning. Rings of this caliber reflect the technical mastery of Roman goldsmiths and the enduring fascination with nature’s struggle, often interpreted as the triumph of civilization and divine authority over chaos.
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: 59
The US size of this ring is: 8.5
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.