Ancient Roman Ring with Clasped Hands Intaglio , Circa 1st- 3rd Century AD

A bronze , flat sectioned ring with expanding shoulders and bezel housing a inserted carnelian intaglio with the image of clasped hands; 3.30 grams, 20 mm overall size, 17.64 mm internal diameter. Fine condition. From the private collection of a German gentleman, acquired on the UK art market around 2000s. The use of engagement rings and wedding rings are common in Western culture to indicate a person?s relationship status. This tradition may be traced back to ancient times, in particular, to the Roman period. Whilst these rings have their origins in either ancient Egypt or ancient Greece, it was under the Romans that detailed legal requirements for engagements, weddings, and divorce were first instituted. Therefore, we have an idea of how wedding rings functioned in ancient Rome, and how they fit into the customs of that society.

Weight: 3.3 g