Ancient Roman Gold & Emerald Finger Ring for a Statue Votive offering

This is an ancient Roman gold finger ring, dating to the 2nd - 3rd century A.D. The finger ring can be categorized as Henig's (1978) Type VIII, dating from the second or third century AD. The finger ring is keeled in profile. The upper half of the hoop, forming the shoulders of the ring, is triangular in plan with a grooved central panel. The upper shoulders have a scrolled design on each outer edge. The bezel is raised above the shoulders in an oval cell, again of gold, which contains the (probable) natural green emerald. There is a bend in the hoop of the ring, probably caused by post-depositional damage. Otherwise, the ring survives in very good condition. The size is small, so this ring was likely intended for a baby or as a gift to be worn on the finger of a bronze or marble statue/figurine of Venus or another goddess - as such a votive piece.

OBJECT: Votive Finger Ring

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd - 3rd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold & Emerald

RING SIZE:   -------------------------

SIZE: 15.13mm x 12.97mm x 1.58mm (bezel 6.33mm x 5.97mm x 4.79mm) 

WEIGHT:  1.29 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. Private Collection, Tours. France.