Roman Silver Ring with Gemstone

Comprising: a Samian ware fragment bearing graffiti to one face; a polished, coin-shaped bone gaming counter engraved 'XIIIX'. 38 grams total, 1.7-9 cm



Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK.

Composed of a broad, flat-section hoop and a rectangular bezel displaying a high-relief bust of a lady in profile right. 6.15 grams, 18.78 mm overall, 16.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)



Acquired in the 1970s. From a deceased lady’s estate, by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202900.

In 2014, a grave of a woman was discovered in Gerulata cemetery III, containing an unusual number of rings. The buried woman, aged 40-49, had two rings on each hand, one of which was a signet ring with a gem depicting the Egyptian deities Serapis and Isis, whose hairstyle and profile are identical to the present ring. Although, the bust of Isis is opposed to Serapis in the rings, the cult of the goddess was widespread inside the provinces already in the 1st century A.D.

Piriform in shape with a cylindrical neck and everted rim; remains of iridescence. 46 grams, 12 cm high



Acquired 1969-1999. From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, thence by descent.