Ancient Roman Chalcedony Miniature Bust of Emperor Nero as a Youth, 1st Century AD Note: Sorry, no shipping outside European Union. This exquisite miniature portrait bust, carved from translucent pale chalcedony (a microcrystalline quartz variety prized in Roman glyptic art for its subtle glow and durability), dates to the 1st century AD and represents the emperor Nero in his youthful, idealized form. The characteristic comma-shaped locks over the forehead, sharply arched brows, and serene expression are hallmarks of the classicizing portrait style that echoed the Augustan model, often used for young members of the Julio-Claudian dynasty including Nero during his early reign. Symbolism & Historical Significance: Chalcedony was a luxury material reserved for high-status objects and portraits of the imperial family. Its semi-translucent quality allowed light to pass through, giving the stone an almost ethereal, divine radiance—an intentional reference to the quasi-divine status of the emperor. Miniature busts of this size were often used as personal seals, signet rings, or private devotional pieces carried by loyal members of the elite or military to demonstrate allegiance to the ruling house. Connection to Ancient Rome: Such finely carved chalcedony portraits belong to the very highest level of Roman gem engraving. Parallels are known from the Treasury of the House of the Menander in Pompeii and from documented Julio-Claudian signets in major museum collections (British Museum, Hermitage, Metropolitan Museum). The style places it firmly in the early to mid-1st century AD, when youthful depictions of Nero emphasized continuity with the Augustan legacy. Condition: Excellent for its age, fully intact with original earthen deposits enhancing authenticity. The carving remains crisp, and the stone’s natural translucency is beautifully preserved, creating a soft inner glow when held to light. Dimensions: Height: 22.6 mm Weight: 10.48 g Provenance: Previously part of a private European collection, established in the 1980s. A provenance document from Ex-owner and a declaration of legal origin are available in PDF format upon request. Note: Please examine the provided images for a detailed impression of the bust. The photos are highly magnified to showcase the carving details the best way possible; otherwise, the piece is much more beautiful and attractive in person. Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of metals(XRF-test), lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.