Roman Gold Ring with Dolphin Design
Date: c. 2nd - 3rd Century A.D.
Weight: 4.14 grams
Size: 8 (U.S.) / P 1/2 (U.K.)
History of the Artifact
Dated to the 2nd–3rd century A.D., this Roman gold ring is set with a vivid carnelian intaglio depicting a dolphin in fluid profile. The creature—arched in motion with its characteristic beak and fin—appears suspended in a moment of graceful propulsion, its form delicately incised yet clearly legible to the eye.
The dolphin, a recurrent motif in Roman iconography, was more than a mere ornament; it stood as a symbol of protection, swiftness, and divine favor—especially in connection with Neptune, god of the sea, and Venus, to whom dolphins were sacred. Such imagery would have been deeply resonant in the Roman world, where maritime life, commerce, and mythology intertwined.
The ring’s form is understated and elegant: the gold shank rises organically to meet the gem, creating a seamless silhouette that frames the carnelian without interruption. Though time has softened the surface, the ring retains both the quiet luxury of its material and the symbolic weight of its intaglio—an intimate object likely worn not only for beauty, but for its apotropaic charge.
A similar ring can be found in the collection of the British museum featuring a similar intaglio style (Catalogue Number: 1917,0501.420).
Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection:
- Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.
- Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged.
- Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.
Your order will include:
- Roman Ring as seen in photos
- Certificate of Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.
Description
Date: c. 2nd - 3rd Century A.D.
Weight: 4.14 grams
Size: 8 (U.S.) / P 1/2 (U.K.)
History of the Artifact
Dated to the 2nd–3rd century A.D., this Roman gold ring is set with a vivid carnelian intaglio depicting a dolphin in fluid profile. The creature—arched in motion with its characteristic beak and fin—appears suspended in a moment of graceful propulsion, its form delicately incised yet clearly legible to the eye.
The dolphin, a recurrent motif in Roman iconography, was more than a mere ornament; it stood as a symbol of protection, swiftness, and divine favor—especially in connection with Neptune, god of the sea, and Venus, to whom dolphins were sacred. Such imagery would have been deeply resonant in the Roman world, where maritime life, commerce, and mythology intertwined.
The ring’s form is understated and elegant: the gold shank rises organically to meet the gem, creating a seamless silhouette that frames the carnelian without interruption. Though time has softened the surface, the ring retains both the quiet luxury of its material and the symbolic weight of its intaglio—an intimate object likely worn not only for beauty, but for its apotropaic charge.
A similar ring can be found in the collection of the British museum featuring a similar intaglio style (Catalogue Number: 1917,0501.420).
Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection:
- Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.
- Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged.
- Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.
Your order will include:
- Roman Ring as seen in photos
- Certificate of Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.
