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 solid silver seal ring, set with an oval carnelian intaglio. The bezel is slightly raised, enclosing the translucent reddish-orange gemstone which is finely engraved with a Hippocampus to left. Wide shoulders, tapering ring band. -> The overall form is solid and substantial, characteristic of Roman signet rings intended for personal use. Carnelian was a favoured material for Roman signet rings due to its durability and suitability for detailed engraving. Such rings were worn both as personal adornment and as functional seals, the intaglio serving to impress wax on documents or containers. Outside diameter: ± 27 mm Inside diameter: ± 21,5 - 18,4 mm Condition: good solid condition, intact and wearable. Well preserved high quality intaglio with the engraved details clearly visible beneath the polished surface. The silver is showing signs of age-related wear, surface marks, and areas of darkened patina. Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format). -> Carnelian stone was treasured throughout the Greco-Roman antiquity. Like the Egyptians they believed carnelian had magical powers; it was believed it could ward off evil, help the blood circulation and make the skin look healthy and youthful. Carnelian was often worn by Roman soldiers to boost their courage, vitality, confidence and physical powers. For women it was especially worn to improve fertility, cure frigidity and to help strengthen the body before and after childbirth. -> The hippocampus is a mythical sea monster with the upper body of a horse and the lower body of a fish. It is shared by Phoenician, Pictish, Roman and Greek mythology. In antiquity, poets and artists often attached the animal to the chariot of Poseidon. The hippocampus symbolizes water, power, bravery, and helpfulness. It is also defined as a symbol of hope and strength. and is associated with Poseidon, the god of the sea. 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.