ITEM: Ring MATERIAL: Bronze CULTURE: Roman PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 19 mm diameter CONDITION: Good condition. Includes stand PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990 Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license If you bid outside the european union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks. Roman rings were far more than simple adornments; they served as essential markers of social identity and legal authority within the empire. During the Republican era, an iron ring was a symbol of Roman citizenship, but as the empire expanded and wealth increased, gold rings became a strictly regulated privilege known as the ius annuli aurei. This right was initially reserved for senators and equestrians, though it was later extended to other classes. These rings often functioned as signets, featuring an engraved gemstone (intaglio) used to press a unique seal into wax for authenticating documents and securing property. The materials and stones used in Roman rings reflected the vast reach of imperial trade networks. Master jewelers worked with gold, silver, and bronze, often setting them with semi-precious stones like carnelian, jasper, amethyst, and amber. A popular style was the "hoop" ring, which could be plain or elaborately chased with geometric patterns. By the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, the dextrarum iunctio ring—depicting two clasped right hands—became a common gift to commemorate marriage or a formal agreement, symbolizing concord and fidelity between two parties. In the later stages of the empire, ring designs became increasingly heavy and ornate, mirroring the broader shift toward more flamboyant personal display. This period saw the rise of multi-bezel rings and rings inscribed with "vives" or "utere felix" (use this happily) as well as early Christian symbols like the Chi-Rho or a fish. Beyond their role as jewelry, some rings were designed with functional "key" mechanisms to open small caskets, while others served as talismans, engraved with deities like Hercules or Victoria to protect the wearer from the "evil eye." These small objects remain one of the most personal links to the daily lives and superstitions of the Roman people.