Massive gold ring with an intaglio of an imperial eagle, 3rd century AD.

A massive ancient gold ring with a nicolo intaglio of an imperial eagle.

Roman, 3rd century AD.
Ring size approximately R UK / 8.5 US.
Weighs 28.4 grams.

The intaglio measures 1.3 x 1cm.
The ring measures overall 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.7cm.

The ancient gold ring is solid, architectural in form with carved scrolls and gadrooning. The ring is set with a nicolo intaglio of an eagle, stood upon a ground line with a laurel wreath clutched in its beak. As heavy gold jewellery was reserved exclusively for important dignitaries, the ring was made for a person that desired to show their support for the emperor by displaying the image of the imperial eagle.

The eagle was a symbol of imperial power in ancient Rome, representing courage, strength, and immortality. It was also featured on the standard of the Roman Legions, carried into battle by the Aquilifer, a highly prestigious position in the Roman army.

Provenance: Private English Collection.

A similar example set with a banded agate can be found in the collection of the British Museum, registration number: 1917,0501.802, see also 1917,0501.801 and 1917,0501.536.

The Musée du Louvre has in it’s collection a comparable ring set with a nicolo intaglio, numéro catalogue : Bj 1286, see also Bj 1287 and Bj 1288.

Another comparable ring can be found int he collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, Reference Number 2013.1105.