A lovely Ancient Roman gold ring with a deep red cabochon garnet. The ring is formed of a very fine gold wire hoop. A bezel setting is formed from a flat circular piece of gold on which the garnet rests. It is then encircled by a flat rectangular gold strip to form a collar. The bezel is decorated with fine gold granules around the base, and a singular larger granule at the centre of the base. The collar does not quite join up, leaving a portions of the stone exposed at the side, and the circular base is slightly warped . Traces of clear adhesive can be seen securing the stone in place. As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth. Following the spread of the Roman Empire, Roman jewellery became more and more elaborate in the designs and in the materials used, such as precious and semi-precious gemstones. Roman jewellery reflected the culture the Romans entered in contact with, and testified the prosperity and the power of the Roman Empire. Rings were the most popular pieces of Roman jewellery, usually embellished with fine carving. Internal diameter: circa 1.5cm Closest UK ring size: between G and H Weight: 0.90 g Provenance: Ex Japanese collection, deceased gentleman, acquired 1970s-2000s.