A superb Ancient Roman silver ring with an elegant key decoration projecting from the band. The ring features a uniform band. The dainty key, with heart-shaped cut out, is attached via a short stem. The ring is in excellent condition and could be suitable for modern wear with care. There are some minor surface scratches consistent with age and the silver has a dark patina. Small and elegant key rings such as these were a Roman innovation. They were considered a symbol of status due to the owner implying they had valuable assets to protect by wearing them. Such rings are also believed to have symbolised marriage or betrothal, and were worn by Roman brides to signify their role in household management. Keys and lock bolts account for the most common items of Roman security hardware to survive to this day. Keys were used mainly for doors, chests, boxes, caskets, cupboards, and padlocks, although they sometimes served ceremonial or decorative purposes, such as matron keys, jewellery items, and votive offerings. Keys such as these were in use from the first century A.D. until the early medieval period. Measurements: closest modern UK ring size - K Weight: 2.09g Provenance: Ex major SM collection 1970-2010, London.