Roman Carnelian Scorpion Gemstone

Hollow-formed gold ring in Hellenistic style with beaded rim to the broad bezel, inset amethyst cabochon with intaglio gryllos motif; repaired, a marriage. 5.35 grams, 25.07 mm overall, 21.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)



From a collection of a London lady, acquired during 1990s-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11961-210872.

The gryllos comprises three radiating profile faces - two youthful females and the aged Silenus.

Comprising a matching pair of earrings, each composed of a hollow crescentic body tapering to slender coiled wire terminals, a suspension loop to each shoulder, large tear-shaped cell to front with granulated border, set with a polished garnet cabochon, gold bulbs below in the form of a bunch of grapes, adorned with smaller granules and three cells set with polished garnet cabochons; the necklace elements comprising graduated beads, alternating between roughly spherical polished garnets and sheet-gold beads of various types including gusseted, biconical and tubular, two floral filigree pendants flanking a central pendant ornamented with 'plaited' and plain filigree wire with granules to the outside, finial of trefoil bulbs, central corrugated cell set with a polished garnet cabochon; mounted on a custom-made perspex display base. 435 grams total, display stand: 30 x 23.5 cm (earrings: 38 mm each)



Ex private European collection, 1970s. with Genève Enchères, 14 December 2017, Lot 999. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11584-199015.

Beryls, used as small pendants, and not placed horizontally, characterised Roman necklaces of 2nd century A.D. A typical example is the necklace found in the grave of Crepereia Tryphaena. The contents of the grave are dated to the Antonine age based on the sarcophagus, the inscription, and the hairstyle of the doll it contains.

Depicted in a leaping pose with the beast's foreleg extended and the head turned slightly right with open jaws; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 53.6 grams total, 47 mm including stand



Found near Newark/Lincoln, Nottinghamshire, UK. Acquired from Ancient & Oriental, Nottingham, UK, 2002. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.