Roman - Gold Openwork Ring with 'Victory' Intaglio Gemstone > Lot No. 653

Description:
3rd century AD. The openwork box bezel with sides formed from two tiers of scroll filigree supporting the upper plate, bearing a dark red oval gemstone; the bevelled edge holding an intaglio depicting a standing winged and helmetted Victory, within a shallow cell surrounded by trefoil granular ornament; the composite openwork shank with scroll filigree set into the faces of the inverted 'T' section hoop, with a twisted wire at the centre; the hoop affixed to the box bezel with a dentilled sheath and twisted wire at the junction.

Measurements:
6.76 grams, 26.45 mm overall, 19.34 mm internal (UK size R 1/2; USA 8.75; EU size 19.38; Japan size 18.5).

Condition:
Delightful and wearable example of the Roman jeweller's art. Superb and very rare.

Provenance:
From an old English collection formed in the 1960's.

Estimate: £3,000 - 5,000 (EUR 3,720 - 6,200; USD 4,750 - 7,910)

Auction date: Thursday 9th September 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £4,000