An ancient Roman gold ring featuring a round-section hoop and a tall oval bezel. This is set with a black calcedony stone, finely carved with the image of a Dioscuri facing left. Portrayed as a naked youth, the Dioscuri wears a long cape and a galea, the Roman helmet, easily recognisable on his head turned in profile. He also holds a large shield to his left side, whilst a horse, his distinctive attribute, is seen to his right. Some signs of ageing to the gold consistent with age. In Greek and Roman mythology, ‘Dioscuri’ (Διόσκουροι) is the name used to identify the twin half-brothers Castor (Κάστωρ) and Pollux (Πολυδεύκης – Polydeuces), sons of Leda and Tyndareus, King of Sparta, and Zeus respectively. They were regarded as patrons of humankind and protectors of travellers and sailors. Consistently associated with horses in classical arts and literature, their typical iconography sees them portrayed as helmeted horsemen holding a spear. Internal diameter: 1.7 cm; closest UK ring size: J 1/2 Weight: 1.83 g Provenance: From a collection of ancient rings, 1980s.