Roman Gemstone with a Shepherd Milking a Goat

Hexagonal in plan with fastening holes, a band of cobalt blue enamelled spirals around the central aperture, interspersed with floral motifs, all enclosed within a scalloped border. 43.9 grams, 64 mm



Acquired 1980s-1990s. Private collection of H. N., Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK.

Scholars have been able to establish the extent to which the manufacture of glass for enamel production was standardised through the Roman Empire during the 1st to 4th centuries. Enamels were probably fused from primary raw materials in specific production centres, one of which has been located in the Gallo-Roman villa of Anthee, France. The decoration with its undulating tendril and pellets in contrasting enamel is influenced by La Tène design of the 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.

With intaglio capricorn with forelegs extended; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.5 grams, 10 mm



Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.

Of quadrilateral form, with a rectangular cross-section at base, tapering to a rounded dome with large integral suspension loop with five facets to the outer face; clanger absent. 162 grams, 82 mm



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

The Romans used bells in ritual and secular contexts, when they could be suspended from the necks of animals, worn for talismanic protection or as anklets by servants.