22K+ Gold Ring / Ancient Roman Carnelian, ex Christie's

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. A lustrous 93% gold (equivalent to 22K+) ring with a thick band and featuring an oval carnelian intaglio of the Roman goddess Aequitas standing in profile. Intricately incised in the crimson stone, the Roman personification "honest measure" wears a tunic and mantle while bearing her balance scales (libra), representing fairness, in her left hand and a cornucopia, symbolic of abundance, in her right hand. On top of her head is a modius, signifying fecundity. A stunning and well-preserved ancient piece of jewelry! Size: 0.9375" Diameter x 0.625" H (2.4 cm x 1.6 cm); gold quality: 93% gold (equivalent to 22K+) and 3% silver; total weight: 15 grams; US ring size 8.5.

An important figure in Imperial Rome, Aequitas became a propaganda figure representing the fairness of the Emperor to his subjects. Contrary to Justitia or Iustitia, who personified the law and justice implemented by men, Aequitas symbolized infallible fairness or the idealized concept of "true divine equity".

This ring was sold from its previous owner by Christie's New York and can be found in the auction "Ancient Jewelry" 7 December 2006 (Lot 274) and was sold during "Ancient Jewelry: Wearable Art" auction (sale 14573, November 29 - December 8, 2016, lot 72).

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Christie's, New York, "Ancient Jewelry: Wearable Art" (sale 14573, Lot 72) acquired 1998; ex-Suzanne A. Ocal, New Jersey

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#159426
Condition Report: Wearable as shown. Ring has been resized and the setting is modern. The gold and intaglio have some tiny scratches commensurate with age but overall is in very fine condition with a very clear motif.