A very fine Ancient Roman gold ring featuring a garnet stone with an engraved depiction of a bird. The ring features a round hoop with the shoulders widening towards the raised, trapezoidal bezel. The bezel is set with a rectangular garnet stone, delicately engraved with a two-legged bird viewed from the side. It features a straight beak and folded wings that curve downwards at the tip. There are some minor scratches and wear to the surface. As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth in Ancient Rome. Following the spread of the Roman Empire, Roman jewellery became more and more elaborate in the designs and in the materials used, such as precious and semi-precious gemstones. Roman jewellery reflected the culture the Romans entered in contact with, and demonstrated the prosperity and the power of the Roman Empire. Rings were the most popular pieces of Roman jewellery, usually embellished with fine carving. Internal Diameter: 1.6cm Closest UK Ring Size: G Weight: 3.30g Provenance: Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970s.