Description

The ring is composed of a banded agate intaglio dated to around the 1st century, which is inserted into a yellow gold setting dating back to the late 19th – early 20th century. The intaglio features an engraving of the god Hermes, messenger of the gods, who is identifiable by the caduceus he holds tightly in his right hand and the winged sandals he wears on his feet, while in his left hand a plant is recognisable, probably a palm leaf symbolising the victory of his heroic deeds. The peculiarity of this intaglio, dating back to the Italic period, is the use of banded agate, that is, characterised by peculiar parallel striations capable of creating unique, iridescent and evanescent nuances. The ring is completed by a very simple modern frame capable of highlighting the intaglio, whose excellent conservative conditions and the quality of the engraving are evident, which make this object unique.

Period: 1st century BC

Dimensions: 20 x 17 mm

Ring size: 9

Weight: 9,50 gr