Roman ring depicting a deer and a tree

ITEM: Ring depicting a deer and a tree
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 18 mm x 22 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired before 1990s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman rings were a widespread form of personal adornment in the Roman world, worn by individuals of all social classes and carrying both aesthetic and symbolic significance. These rings, made from materials such as gold, silver, bronze, and iron, were not only decorative but also served functional purposes, including signet rings used for sealing documents and personal items. The design of Roman rings varied widely, ranging from simple bands to more elaborate pieces featuring gemstones, intaglios, or raised motifs. The variety in styles and materials reflected the wearer’s social status, with wealthier Romans opting for rings made from precious metals and adorned with engraved stones, while lower-class individuals might have worn more modest versions made of bronze or iron.

Signet rings were among the most iconic Roman ring types, featuring engraved designs that could be pressed into wax to mark official documents or identify their owner. These rings were often personalized with family crests, deities, or mythological figures, acting as both a signature and a symbol of power. Roman citizens would wear these rings on their right hand, using them in legal and personal matters. The designs on these signet rings often included powerful imagery, such as representations of gods like Jupiter or Mars, or symbols related to Roman identity and family heritage. Rings of this kind also served to demonstrate the social prestige of the wearer, with patricians and equestrians using their rings to assert their status within Roman society.

Roman rings also held deep personal and symbolic meanings, particularly in the context of marriage and loyalty. Marriage rings, often simple gold bands, were used as symbols of commitment, much like modern wedding rings. Some rings were also associated with religious or spiritual beliefs, featuring inscriptions or symbols meant to provide protection, invoke divine favor, or commemorate a significant event such as a victory in battle.