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. Ancient Roman silver finger ring with a rounded hoop and raised circular bezel, set with a dark purple glass or stone intaglio. The intaglio depicts Athena, wearing an Athenian helmet and holding a spear. The shoulders of the ring band are formed as two facing snake heads, each holding or supporting the bezel, with incised detailing to the heads and necks. The composition combines classical religious imagery with a protective zoomorphic ring design. -> Athena was one of the most important goddesses of the classical world, associated with wisdom, strategy, protection, and skilled craftsmanship. Her helmeted image was widely recognised and often used on gems, coins, and personal objects as a symbol of strength and divine guardianship. Outside diameter: ± 27,3 mm Inside diameter: ± 19,2 - 19,7 mm Bezel: ± 15,4 mm Condition: good solid condition and wearable. The intaglio remains in place, with visible engraving. Visible signs of wear and surface irregularities consistent with age and use. Some details on the engraving and ring are softened by age and wear. Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format). -> Snake-headed jewellery had strong protective associations in the Roman world. Snakes were linked with renewal, healing, household protection, and chthonic power, making their use on rings especially meaningful when combined with the image of a protective deity such as Athena. -> Silver rings with intaglios were worn across the Roman Empire by both men and women. They combined function, decoration, and identity, making them among the most recognisable forms of Roman personal jewellery. Catawiki disclaimer: 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.