{"product_id":"roman-gold-ring-velox-1st-3rd-c-ce-garnet-intaglio","title":"Roman Gold Ring - 'Velox' (ca. 1st–3rd c. CE) EU 58.25 \/ US 8.5","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Roman gold signet ring named 'Velox', set with a domed garnet intaglio, most likely of Pegasus, the winged horse of speed and inspiration. A low oval collet holds the stone, its dome standing proud of the rim.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Engraving:\u003cbr\u003eAn animal in profile stretches across the lower and middle part of the stone, its body formed by broad rounded hollows and a few fine strokes. A large curve sweeps up from its back toward the upper left, and a rounded mass sits at the upper right. In myth a stroke of Pegasus' hoof opened the spring of the Muses, and the winged horse rose at last to the stars: a sign of inspiration and of the climb to heaven.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Roman\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Gold, garnet intaglio\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: EU 58.25 \/ US 8.5\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 5 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Scuffs and fine abrasion on the shoulders and the back of the hoop, with reddish-brown spots; matte, pitted surface inside the hoop; small scratches on the garnet; pale deposit in the cuts\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private London collection; previously acquired on the Belgian art market in the 1990s.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: R-670-G\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eThis original comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and our written lifetime authenticity guarantee.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eIn this form the hoop swells steadily from a thin back into broad, plain shoulders that close around an oval collet, a frame made to carry an engraved stone. Garnet, deep red and hard, takes a crisp cut and keeps it through wear. Romans used such rings as seals: pressed into wax, the gem printed its image in relief and closed a letter or a contract in the owner's name. A winged horse on a seal added a wish for speed to that signature.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA plain gold frame holds the garnet and the sign of speed and inspiration cut into it.\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":64264826061130,"sku":"R-670-G","price":2200.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/velox-angled-front-view-of-the-gold-ring-and-its-dark-intaglio-1.jpg?v=1794040905","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/roman-gold-ring-velox-1st-3rd-c-ce-garnet-intaglio","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}