An Ancient Roman gold ring featuring a slightly angular hoop with richly decorated shoulders. Thin sheets of gold spring from them, curling outwards and forming a delicate pattern reminiscent of foliage. The ring is further adorned with four gold granules, evenly spaced around the large oval bezel. This is set with a deep-red garnet intaglio, finely engraved with the laureate head of Apollo facing left. The god is portrayed as a beardless young man, with long curls falling down his neck and resting on his shoulders. Some signs of wear consistent with age and earthy encrustations remain on the surface. The subject used for intaglios are diverse, with depictions of deities being a favourite theme. Apollo, who was known to the Romans as Phoebus, was one of the most important deities in the Graeco-Roman canon. He was the god of oracles, healing, the sun, and poetry among other attributes. His multivalent nature, importance, and prevalence in mythology means that he was a popular deity both for worship and for artistic interpretation. He was the son of Zeus and Leto, and was a twin with Aretmis (goddess of the hunt). He had key sanctuaries at Delos and Rhodes – with Rhodes being famous for one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Measurements: H 2cm x W 1.7cm Internal diameter: 1.8cm Closest UK ring size: between I and J Weight: 6.9g Provenance: Ex. Japanese gentleman (deceased) collection, 1970 - 2010.