Roman Stone and Glass Gem Collection

Hollow-formed shank with inset cabochon, flattened top. 6.41 grams, 27.10 mm overall, 18.42 x 15.45 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



Private collection, acquired on the German art market in 1993; thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13182-249298.

The heavy proportions of the ring can date it to the late 1st century A.D. The gem could be contemporary, considering the wide use of sardonyx in the Roman rings of the first two centuries of the Empire.

Engraved with a standing male figure wearing a pointed cap and holding a long upright spear beside a horse, the horse with its head turned back and one foreleg raised; both figures standing upon a ground line; set in a later gold ring with a plain oval bezel, divided shoulders and a slender hoop. 2.43 grams, 20.04 mm overall, 17.19 x 16.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



Acquired on the European art market. UK, private collection.

The combination of the cap, spear, drapery and horse supports identification as one of the Dioscuri, Castor or Pollux. The same combination of attributes appears in Roman representations of a Dioscurus, including an example in the London Museum.

Matching pair, round-section hoop with hook-and-eye closure, conical dangle with insert stone bead finial. 3.79 grams total, 37-39 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.