Frequently Asked Questions

An ancient ring is a genuine object made and worn in antiquity or the medieval world, not a modern reproduction or a revival design. Aurora's pieces typically date from roughly the 5th century BCE to the 15th century CE. Each product page gives the specific period, for example Roman 1st to 3rd century CE, or Byzantine 8th to 11th century CE.

Mainly Roman, Byzantine, and medieval European, with Ancient Greek, Celtic, Viking and Norse, Islamic, and post medieval pieces appearing regularly. You can browse by era in the collections, and every listing names the culture and date range.

Mostly bronze, silver, and occasionally gold, which are the metals that survived burial. The material is stated on every product page. The dark or green surface you see is patina, the natural ageing of ancient metal, and it is part of what proves and beautifies a genuine piece.

A signet ring carries an engraved device (a monogram, symbol, or figure) that was pressed into wax or clay to seal and sign. An intaglio is a design carved into a gemstone or the metal itself, cut in reverse so it leaves a raised impression. Both were personal marks of identity in the ancient world, and both are among the most collected types we carry.

Yes. These were working objects: seals of authority, tokens of faith, marks of rank, and everyday adornment. The wear you can see on many pieces, smoothed high points and a worn bezel, is the trace of a real person who wore it centuries ago.

For most people, yes. Bronze, silver, and gold are worn comfortably every day. If you have very sensitive skin, bronze can occasionally leave a harmless temporary mark, which a thin protective lacquer prevents. Each product page notes wearability, and if you are unsure, ask us before you buy.

Every piece is examined individually before listing. We assess the metal and its ageing, surface patina and burial deposits, wear consistent with genuine use, manufacturing marks of the period, and stylistic details against known typologies. Each order ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, and every piece carries our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee, so authenticity is never left to trust alone.

It is our permanent promise, separate from the 30 day return window. If any Aurora piece is ever shown not to be authentic, we refund it in full, for as long as you own it, with no time limit. It is described in full on our Provenance and Authenticity page.

From old European private collections, estate holdings, and the established antiquities trade, not from recent or undocumented excavation. Many pieces name a prior collection in their provenance line on the product page. Aurora acts as a custodian passing each object to its next keeper, with the paperwork responsible ownership requires.

Yes. Aurora handles only material with a clear collecting history, sourced from long established European collections and the legitimate art market, never recently or illicitly excavated finds. Every export complies with Belgian and EU cultural property law. If a piece cannot be sourced responsibly, we do not sell it.

Yes. A Certificate of Authenticity is included in the box with every piece, identifying the object, its period, material, and unique reference number. It is your document of record for insurance, resale, or your own archive.

Absolutely, and we encourage it. You are welcome to have any piece examined by an independent specialist. If an appraisal ever contradicts our attribution, the Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee refunds you in full. Confidence should come from verification, not just from our word.

Fakes tend to fail on the details that are hardest to imitate: the way real patina forms and bonds to the metal over centuries, casting and tooling marks that match the period, weight and wear in the right places, and stylistic accuracy against documented examples. We check all of these on every piece, and decline anything that does not hold up.

Add the piece to your cart and check out through Shopify's secure, encrypted checkout. All major cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay are accepted. Aurora never sees or stores your card details.

Prices are set in euros (EUR) and displayed in your local currency where your region is supported, so you see a familiar figure before you buy. Your card is charged in the currency shown at checkout.

Yes. Many product pages include a Make an Offer option, and you can always email info@auroraantiqua.com. We consider reasonable offers on most pieces. Our listed prices already reflect fair value for authenticated originals, so offers work best when they are close.

Because each piece is one of a kind, a short courtesy hold is often possible while you decide. Email us and we will let you know. The surest way to secure a piece you love is to complete checkout, since one of a kind pieces can sell at any moment.

Yes. For eligible orders, Klarna lets you split the cost into installments, shown as an option at checkout. All standard cards and wallets are also accepted.

Yes, and shipping is free worldwide on every order regardless of how many pieces you buy, so there is nothing extra to combine. If you are building a small collection, tell us and we are glad to help you choose.

Yes. If you are looking for a particular era, motif, size, or budget, tell us and we will keep watch. We acquire new pieces regularly and can flag a match, sometimes before it goes live on the site.

Because each is a genuine antiquity, not a reproduction. One object, one listing. When a piece sells it is gone and will not be restocked. Sold pieces stay visible on the site as a record. If a listing is sold and you want something similar, contact us or browse the same era and type.

Most pieces are made to be worn. Ancient rings survived because they were solid, and many are perfectly wearable today with normal care. Each product page states the piece's condition and wearability. For fragile or high value pieces we note when occasional or display wear is the wiser choice.

Keep it simple. Do not polish or use chemical cleaners, since the patina is part of the value and history. Avoid prolonged water, perfume, and impact. Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth, and store it dry, away from humidity, ideally in its box. Our full Care Guide covers bronze, silver, and gold in detail.

No. What looks like tarnish or a dark green surface is ancient patina, the natural result of centuries of ageing. It authenticates the piece and is prized by collectors. Removing it damages both the value and the history. If a piece ever needs attention, ask us first.

Your Certificate of Authenticity, with the piece's period, material, and reference number, is exactly what an insurer or independent appraiser needs to value and schedule the item. For higher value pieces, most home or valuables policies will add it as a named item using that documentation.

We sell these as pieces of history to be enjoyed and worn, not as financial investments, and we make no promise about future value. That said, authenticated antiquities with documentation are a long established collecting field, and your certificate supports resale or insurance if you ever wish to move a piece on.

Yes. Authenticated antiquities with documented provenance are legal to own and to trade. Aurora sources from long established European collections and the legitimate market, and every piece is exported from Belgium in compliance with EU and Belgian cultural property regulations, with the required documentation.

For most destinations, importing a legally owned, documented antiquity is straightforward, and we ship worldwide. A few countries have their own rules on cultural goods. Your Certificate of Authenticity and provenance are the documents customs may ask for, and we can supply an export paper on request. If you are unsure about your country, ask us before you order.

Yes. You own the piece outright, and the Certificate of Authenticity and any provenance transfer with it, which is exactly what a future buyer or auction house will want to see. Keeping the certificate and packaging protects the piece's value for resale.

Our focus is selling authenticated pieces rather than buying. If you have an antiquity to sell or trade, email us with clear photos and any documentation, and we will tell you honestly whether it is something we can help with.

Yes. Aurora ships worldwide with full insurance included on every order, at no extra cost, with no minimum and no exclusions. Each piece is hand packed in archival materials by Jakob personally and sent by DHL or registered, tracked post depending on destination.

Orders are hand packed and dispatched within 2 to 5 business days of payment. Typical delivery after dispatch: Belgium 2 to 4 business days, European Union 2 to 9, United Kingdom 3 to 9, United States and Canada 5 to 14, Australia and New Zealand 7 to 14. International times include customs clearance.

Within the EU, no. For destinations outside the EU, your country may charge import duty or tax on arrival. These are set by your national customs authority, not by Aurora, and are the buyer's responsibility. We declare every shipment accurately and can provide supporting paperwork on request.

Yes. Each piece is cushioned in archival materials inside plain, secure outer packaging that does not advertise its contents, with the Certificate of Authenticity enclosed. Everything arrives protected and ready to gift.

Yes. You receive a tracked, signed service on every order, and a tracking number arrives by email as soon as your parcel is handed to the carrier.

You are fully covered. Every shipment is insured for its declared value at Aurora's cost. In the rare event of loss or damage, contact us and we handle the claim and make it right. Handing a centuries old object to a courier should never feel risky to you.

You have 30 days from delivery to return any piece for a full refund of the item price. The piece must return in the condition it left, with its certificate and packaging. Email info@auroraantiqua.com within 30 days and we send a tracked, insured label. Within the EU, Aurora covers return shipping; outside the EU the buyer covers it and we quote it first. Once the piece is back and inspected, we refund your original payment method within 3 business days.

Email info@auroraantiqua.com and Jakob answers personally, usually within a day. Aurora also keeps an Etsy shop with the same authenticated pieces, but buying direct at auroraantiqua.com is the most complete experience, with full provenance, the Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee, and direct contact with the seller.

Aurora is an online gallery run directly by Jakob from Belgium, so there is no walk in store. You get something better than a shop counter: direct access to the seller. Ask any time for extra photos, a video, or the full provenance of a piece.

Yes. Each listing has detailed images, and if you would like more angles, a scale reference, or a short video, just email us and we will send them. For a one of a kind object, we want you to buy with full confidence.

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