ROMAN GOLD AND GARNET INTAGLIO RING WITH DIANA
Ca. 100-300 AD. A wearable gold ring with an ellipsoid hoop widening at the shoulders, which are embellished with parallel grooves, and a bezel with inset oval garnet gemstone with an intaglio depicting a left-facing female bust, flanked by quiver and arrows; the latter lead to identifying this female portrait as a depiction of the Roman goddess Diana. Good condition, repaired. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. It also comes with a gemmological and historical report by an independent specialist Anna Rogers. In Roman art, Diana usually appears as a huntress with a bow and quiver, accompanied by a hound or deer. In Rome, the most important temple of Diana was on the Aventine. This temple housed the foundation charter of the Latin League and was said to date back to King Servius Tullius (6th century BC). Another important centre for the worship of Diana was Ephesus, where the Temple of Artemis (or Diana) was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Size: D: 16.51mm / US: 6 / UK: M; 10.5g. Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1980s.

Estimate: GBP 3000 - 6000