Roman Vase Gemstone in Gold Ring

Inset cameo with finely detailed chignon hairstyle; set in an 18th century gold finger ring. 2.73 grams, 18.12 mm overall, 15.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)



Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, England.

Hollow-formed hoop with broad ellipsoid cell, inset red jasper intaglio profile bust of Serapis with modius; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.65 grams, 27.68 mm overall, 18.70 x 15.32 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Private European collection. Acquired in 2002. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13122-246778.

D-section hoop, elliptical in plan, with raised oval bezel set with a jasper intaglio engraved with inverted Greek inscription 'IXΘYC' (ichthys, meaning 'fish"), a Greek acronym for 'Jesus Christ, Son of God; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 9.18 grams, 21.91 mm overall, 18.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



Private collector, acquired in the early 1990s. Private collection, England.

The term ichthys is the equivalent of the ancient Greek: ixθus, ichthýs ('fish'), used by early Christians to refer to Jesus Christ. For this reason, the fish symbol was very common in the catacombs of Rome. In particular, the ichthys is one of the oldest Christian symbols that has come down to us. Used covertly by Christians to mask their faith from Roman persecutors, when a Christian encountered a stranger whose loyalty he needed to know, he would draw one of the arches that make up the ichthys in the sand. If the stranger completed the sign, the two individuals recognised each other as followers of Christ. The symbol was also drawn on the doors of the houses of Christian families. Its use spread in the 3rd century to personal effects such as the ring offered here.