Roman Ring with Inscription

$2,462.77

A magnificent gold finger ring featuring a faceted and segmented hoop with broad shoulders, and plaque with discoid bezel. The incised inscription reads: ‘EVT / VXI’, an abbreviation for ‘Eutychius Uxori’, literally “from Eutychius to his wife”.

Internal diameter 1.5 cm. UK ring size<A

Period: Circa 4th Century AD
Condition: Fine.

SOLD

SKU: EH-054 Category:

The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential accessory, for it provided a public display of their wealth. Roman jewellery at first followed trends set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but as the power and spread of the Roman Empire increased, so too did jewellery designs became increasingly elaborate. Different cultural styles from Greece, Egypt, North Africa, and the Orient were all incorporated to reflect Rome’s prosperity as a dominant, conquering city. The wide range of natural resources enabled artisans to create ostentatious jewellery using a diverse selection of materials: this increasingly included sapphires, diamonds, emeralds, garnet and amber from India, and pearls (which were particularly prized). Archaeological finds of Roman jewellery are relatively rare, considering the magnitude of Roman civilisation, and the historical and geographical span of the Empire. The custom of wearing rings was popular amongst the Romans, and was probably introduced by the Sabines, who are described in early legends as wearing gold rings with precious stones. During the Roman Republic it became customary for all the senators, chief magistrates, and at last for the equites also, to wear gold rings.

In ancient Rome, rings were not only worn at the base of one’s fingers, but also on the phalanges: this provides a possible explanation for the very small dimensions of the ring.

To find out more about Roman intaglios please see our relevant blog post: Engraved Gemstones in Roman Times.

Weight 6.9 g
Dimensions L 11.7 x W 14.73 cm
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