Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Roman Sapphire Gemstone with Crescent Moon and Star")
_200x200.jpg "Roman Sapphire Gemstone with Crescent Moon and Star")
.jpg "Roman Sapphire Gemstone with Crescent Moon and Star")
LOT 0094
Roman Sapphire Gemstone with Crescent Moon and Star
THIRD QUARTER OF 1ST CENTURY B.C.
3/8 in. (1.05 grams, 10 mm).
Cushion-shaped greenish-blue intaglio engraved with a large crescent moon and star.
ProvenanceFormerly in a private collection of an European lady, 1970s-1980s.
Private collection, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13305-257800.
Cf. for the use of sapphire in Roman jewellery, Altamura, F., Tomei, N., Cerino, P., ‘Characterization and provenance of ancient gemstones: Case study of a gold-and-sapphire jewel dating from the Roman imperial period and found in a tomb in Colonna, Italy’ in Proceedings of 3rd IMEKO International Conference on Metrology for Archaeology, Lecce, Italy, October 23-25 2017, pp.312-31, figs.4-5.
FootnotesBasaltic sapphires used by the Romans came from surface deposits in northern Ethiopia, which were already known and productive in ancient times. This hypothesis is supported by comments by Pliny the Elder (23–79 A.D.) and Solinus (early 3rd century A.D.), both of whom referred to gems from Ethiopia named ‘hyacintos’, which is generally accepted in archaeology to be the ancient name of sapphire. The moon and stars have been, since the 4th century BC, symbols of the city of Byzantium and were also linked with Spartan military culture.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0094
Roman Sapphire Gemstone with Crescent Moon and Star
Estimate £2,500 - 3,500€2,900 - 4,060 (for guidance only)$3,380 - 4,730 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£1,250 (EUR 1,450; USD 1,688) +BP*
-
Roman Gold Ring with Red Gem
1st century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising a hollow-form round-section hoop widening towards the shoulders, set with a table-cut garnet or paste with foil backing, polished. 1.55 grams, 21.78 mm overall, 15.63 x 14.16 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)
From the old family collection of a West Country, UK, lady; acquired by descent from her grandfather circa 2001.
The ring belongs to the variant 3, type 1, of the Slokovska classification. The type of ring is characteristic of the Early Imperial Age. Similar rings with the same typology of gemstones have been found in Kerch as well. -
Roman Bronze Intaglio with Bull's Head and Birds
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £40 - 60 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Discoid type with incuse design of a bull's head with a bird perched on each horn, ewer between; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.82 grams, 13 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman to Medieval Bronze Ring Collection
1st-16th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £60
Comprising ten rings, including an archer's ring, a ring with a glass cabochon, a ring with a stylised eagle, and others. 53.03 grams total, 15-31 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
