A roman italic carnelian intaglio set in a barbaric gold ring. Perseus

2nd century B.C. / 5th - 7th century A.D.

Stone 9 x 11 mm; ring size 13 x 15 mm; 7,80 gr.

The hero is depicted with the frontal body and the head turned in profile to the right. With the right hand he holds the hooked sword, with the right the severed head of Medusa. Groundline. Wear marks. The gem, of Italic production, was formerly reassembled in ancient time into a solid gold ring of barbarian production, with an intertwined rod and spherical elements welded to the bezel. Rare.

Provenance: UK private collection. Previously UK private coll. Since 1956. Formed in the 1950s by Mr and Mrs S. Brouka, thence by descent.

Estimate: GBP 1500 - 3000