{"product_id":"roman-silver-ring-ophidius-1st-century-bc-ad-ancient-serpent-jewelry-double-snake-granulation-authentic-artifact","title":"Roman Silver Ring - 'Ophidius' (1st c. BCE–1st c. CE) EU 55 \/ US 7.25","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Roman silver ring, named 'Ophidius,' pairs two confronted serpent heads with a central cluster of graduated granules, a sculptural bezel type most closely associated with the Romano-Egyptian workshops of Alexandria. The crosshatched scales, hand-chased into each almond-shaped head, remain crisp beneath centuries of natural silver sulfide tarnish. A rare survivor from the late Hellenistic to early Imperial world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Roman, 1st c. BCE–1st c. CE\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Silver\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: EU 55 \/ US 7.25\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Excellent restored state, deep tarnish in recesses, worn silver on the high points, no active corrosion; professionally restored (one snake head reattached)\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between the early 1960s to 1990s.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: R-269-S\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eThis piece has already been professionally restored (one of the snake heads was reattached), stabilising the ancient silver while preserving its natural patina and character.\u003cbr\u003eA Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eSerpent rings held deep meaning in the Greco-Roman world, associated with Asklepios and Hygieia, healing, protection, and the chthonic powers of the earth. The double-headed form, with two snakes meeting at a central ornament, is documented by Kunz as a striking type of the Romano-Egyptian tradition, produced in Alexandrian workshops from the late Hellenistic period into the early Empire. Applied granulation and chased scale-work were standard techniques in these ateliers, making pieces like this both amuletic and richly decorative, an original Roman ring with documented provenance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhy This Piece?\u003cbr\u003e'Ophidius' is a wearable piece of Roman silversmithing, sculptural rather than engraved, with iconography that remains legible two millennia after it left the workshop. A superb choice for the collector seeking an authentic Roman serpent ring with clear typological parallels in museum collections.\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":62611479724362,"sku":"R-269-S","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/roman-silver-double-serpent-ring-ophidius-front-view-of-confronted-snake-heads-a-1.jpg?v=1783146664","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/roman-silver-ring-ophidius-1st-century-bc-ad-ancient-serpent-jewelry-double-snake-granulation-authentic-artifact","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}