Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. Roman silver ring with a snake head on the shoulders holding the bezel which is set with a garnet stone intaglio engraved with the inscription/abbreviation RΛA. -> The snake was a popular theme in Roman art and jewellery. According to Roman beliefs, it secured the family’s prosperity. The cult of this reptile probably came from Macedonia, where it was believed that the animal has the magical power to influence fertility. That’s why women so gladly wore snake-shaped jewellery. Outside diameter: ± 20,3 mm Inside diameter: ± 18,6 - 17,4 mm Diameter bezel: ± 7,7 mm Condition: good and solid condition with a finely engraved inscription. Signs of wear consistent with age and use. Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format). -> Garnet was a fairly precious and sought-after precious stone, mainly used in Roman and Egyptian jewellery or small objects. Egyptians were particularly fond of garnets and referred to them as 'the symbol of life'. Pliny the Elder discusses the material in his Natural History, and comments specifically on its resistance to being cut, despite being used for drinking vessels. Garnets never fell out of fashion and were also favoured by the Romans for jewellery and signet rings, and with the clergy and nobility in the Middle Ages. Material: This object has been carefully examined for its material and surface characteristics. Laboratory analysis (e.g. XRF) is not routinely undertaken in private collecting, and destructive testing is avoided as it causes permanent damage to archaeological material. Before modern hallmarking, gold and silver alloys varied depending on local resources, recycling practices and economic conditions.