MASSIVE ROMAN IMPERIAL OPENWORK GOLD RING WITH AGATE GEM

Ca. AD 300 . A massive gold ring with a broad hoop and a raised oval bezel set with a blue and black eye agate cabochon. The shoulders are pierced with triangular panels of geometric openwork and decorated with foliate scrolls, continuing into further scroll ornament around the hoop. For similar see: The British Museum, Museum number 1917,0501.265. Size: D:15.49mm / US: 4 3/4 / UK: J; Weight: 17.4g Provenance: From a London private collection; Ex Florida Private Collection, acquired in the 1990's; Previously with Peter Szuhay, London. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.