{"product_id":"roman-silver-ring-lucrio-1st-3rd-c-ce-mercury-intaglio","title":"Roman Silver Ring - 'Lucrio' (ca. 1st–3rd c. CE) EU 58.25 \/ US 8.5","description":"\u003cp\u003eA silver signet ring named 'Lucrio', set with a Roman carnelian intaglio of Mercury, god of trade, profit and safe travel. A raised oval collar holds the stone above a flat band that narrows toward the back.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Engraving:\u003cbr\u003eMercury stands nude on a groundline, body frontal, head turned left in profile. He holds the purse out in his right hand, while the caduceus, his herald's staff, rises at his left shoulder with the cloak hanging from that arm. The purse marks him as the god of profit, called on by traders before a bargain and by travellers before a journey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Roman\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Silver, carnelian intaglio\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: EU 58.25 \/ US 8.5\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 5.8 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Dark tarnish over the silver with paler worn high points; a tan deposit inside the band and at the collar; fine scratches across the carnelian and small irregularities at its edge\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private London collection; previously on the Dutch art market in the 1980s.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: R-640-S\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\u003eCarnelian is hard enough to hold a fine cut, and Roman engravers worked such gems with drills and abrasive wheels, sinking the device below the surface. Pressed into wax, this one leaves the god in relief and reversed, an impression that could serve as its owner's signature. The silver ring, possibly later than the gem, grips the stone with a rim burnished down over its edge. As messenger of the gods, Mercury also suited a seal that closed and authorised letters.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMercury holds out his purse to the carnelian's owner, offering profit in trade and a safe road home.\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":64264799715658,"sku":"R-640-S","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/lucrio-angled-front-view-of-the-silver-ring-and-its-carnelian-intaglio-1.jpg?v=1794040573","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/roman-silver-ring-lucrio-1st-3rd-c-ce-mercury-intaglio","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}