Lot 133
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE; Europe, ca. 20th century CE. A Roman amethyst intaglio depicting the gods Mars, Fortuna, and Victory is set in a modern high-karat gold swivel ring, uniting ancient divine symbolism with contemporary craftsmanship in a single, wearable form. Carved in translucent amethyst, the intaglio presents three deities rendered with crisp, linear engraving. Mars appears armed and upright, the god of war shown with martial clarity. Fortuna stands nearby, identifiable by her attributes of chance and prosperity, while Victory advances with poised assurance, her presence signaling success earned or bestowed. The figures are aligned along a shared ground line, their gestures animated through a confident economy of line that speaks to the engraver's skill. Size of intaglio: 0.7" L x 0.4" W (1.8 cm x 1 cm); of ring: 1" W (2.5 cm); US ring size: 5; gold quality: 91.42% (over 21 karats); weight: 10.7 grams
In Roman glyptic tradition, such imagery was never merely decorative. Intaglios like this functioned as personal talismans, sealing devices, and statements of identity. The combined presence of Mars, Fortuna, and Victory suggests a wearer invested in favorable outcomes, whether in military, civic, or personal endeavors. Amethyst itself was believed in antiquity to offer protection and clarity, guarding against excess and sharpening judgment.
The ancient gemstone is mounted in a modern swivel ring crafted in high-karat gold, approximately 22 karats (91.42%). The rich warmth of the gold complements the deep wine-purple of the amethyst, while the swivel mechanism allows the intaglio to rotate smoothly, offering both protection and versatility. The mount remains intentionally restrained, allowing the ancient carving to remain the unquestioned focal point. Bridging nearly two millennia, this ring pairs Roman symbolism with contemporary craftsmanship, transforming an object once pressed into wax into a wearable testament to endurance, intention, and the enduring desire to keep the gods close at hand.
Provenance: private Louisville, Colorado, USA collection; ex-East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#196531
- Condition: Ancient intaglio set in modern gold ring to be wearable. Both intaglio and ring are intact, wearable, and in excellent overall condition. Nice preservation of detail on intaglio. Accompanied by custom jewelry box.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |