{"product_id":"roman-silver-ring-volucer-1st-3rd-c-ce-eagle-intaglio","title":"Roman Silver Ring - 'Volucer' (ca. 1st–3rd c. CE) EU 57.5 \/ US 8.25","description":"\u003cp\u003eA silver signet ring named 'Volucer', set with a Roman carnelian intaglio of an eagle's head, Jupiter's bird and a sign of power and authority. A broad, plain hoop carries a raised oval collet that holds the stone slightly proud.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Engraving:\u003cbr\u003eThe head turns to the left on the stone, so it faces right in a wax impression. A deep round hollow forms the head and eye, the beak hooks down sharply with two straight strokes along it, and rows of short oval cuts lay the feathers down the neck. No body or wings follow: the head alone stands for the bird.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Roman\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Silver, carnelian intaglio\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: EU 57.5 \/ US 8.25\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 9.8 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Silver-grey with patches of darker tarnish over a fine satin surface; pale deposit inside the hoop and at the base of the collet; dense fine scratches across the carnelian\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private London collection; previously in an Austrian private collection, 1980s to early 1990s.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: R-674-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\u003eEngravers worked hard stones such as carnelian with small rotating wheels and drills fed with abrasive powder, and a few deep, well-placed cuts could carry a whole subject. The silver mount, possibly later than the gem, frames it without ornament. Mounted in a ring, the engraved stone was its owner's seal, and its mark in wax stood for a signature. The eagle belonged to Jupiter, king of the gods, and in augury its flight was read as a sign of his favour, so the bird on a seal joined authority to good fortune.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach impression left the eagle in the wax: the owner's mark, made under the eye of the highest god.\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":64264831074634,"sku":"R-674-S","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/volucer-angled-front-view-of-the-silver-ring-and-its-eagle-head-carnelian-1.jpg?v=1794040983","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/roman-silver-ring-volucer-1st-3rd-c-ce-eagle-intaglio","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}