{"product_id":"roman-bronze-ring-velthur-1st-3rd-century-ce-mercury-intaglio-ancient-jewelry-chalcedony-signet-authentic-artifact","title":"Roman Bronze Ring - 'Velthur' (1st–3rd c. CE) EU 44 \/ US 3","description":"\u003cp\u003eA diminutive Roman bronze intaglio ring, named 'Velthur', set with a white chalcedony stone engraved with the figure of Mercury. The god stands in profile, petasos on his head, caduceus in one hand and money purse in the other, patron of travellers and commerce rendered in the confident linear style of a provincial workshop.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Roman\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: EU 44 \/ US 3\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Excellent, complete hoop with intact stone and legible intaglio, layered tenorite and malachite patina from centuries of burial\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: From a private Belgian collection, acquired between the 1960s and 1990s\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: R-229-B\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRestoration and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is preserved in its untouched state, showing natural aging and patina from centuries of burial and wear. For those who prefer a refreshed look, a professional restoration service is available, reviving original detail while respecting historical integrity.\u003cbr\u003eIf you’d like to book a restoration, simply add the restoration option along with your order or book it as the additional product in my shop.\u003cbr\u003eA Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eMercury was the single most popular deity on Roman intaglio gems, especially in the western provinces of Gaul and Germania, where he was syncretised with local guardian gods. Small bronze rings set with engraved stones served as personal seals and identity marks, pressed into wax to close letters, contracts, and household containers. The very small diameter suggests this was worn on a child's finger or as a pinky ring by an adult, an authentic Roman signet ring in the truest daily-use sense.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhy This Piece?\u003cbr\u003eAn ancient Roman signet ring collector piece with clearly readable iconography is a rare thing at this scale, and the survival of the white stone in situ, still legible after nearly two millennia, makes 'Velthur' a compelling wearable antique with documented provenance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ancient-roman-rings\"\u003eRoman rings\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62824558330186,"sku":"R-229-B","price":480.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/roman-bronze-ring-velthur-macro-close-up-of-mercury-intaglio-with-petasos-caduce-7.jpg?v=1785263500","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/roman-bronze-ring-velthur-1st-3rd-century-ce-mercury-intaglio-ancient-jewelry-chalcedony-signet-authentic-artifact","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}