Late Roman Bronze Ring with Harvester Gemstone

With carinated body and gently inverted lower rim, circumferential frieze displaying 'yellow' and red champlevé enamelled flower heads within foliate roundels, alternating with stylised amphoras and volute scrolls creating heart shapes set against a rich blue field; central projecting stem with hexagonal plate, ornamented with a central domed flower head, amphora and foliate motifs surrounding; two suspension lugs with loops to the perimeter of the lower rim; repaired. 435 grams, 15 cm wide



Acquired from Ariadne Galleries Inc, New York, 30 October 2003. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11622-198955.

Champlevé is a decorative technique which involves cutting cells into a metal surface and filling the void with enamel, using the raised metal borders between the cells to create the design outline.

Composed of a convex hoop with expanding angled shoulders, oval bezel set with carnelian cameo gemstone carved with the head and face of Eros with pinched features and centrally-parted hair; a marriage. 7.09 grams, 21.79 mm overall, 17.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

This ring belongs to the typology of gold rings with gem (Type II, Variant I) of Ruseva-Slokoska classification.

A young man trampling and spearing a multi-headed beast; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.17 grams, 16 mm



From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.