ROMAN SMOKY QUARTZ INTAGLIO DEPICTING MARS IN GOLD RING

Ca. AD 100 - 300 .
A Roman smoky quartz intaglio depicting Mars holding a stylised mace. The intaglio is set in a high carat (21.5 ct), possibly later gold ring, decorated with braid shaped filigree. This jewellery is clearly inspired by the Hellenistic production of gems where, especially in Rome, masterpieces were made by Greek masters. This piece has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This piece comes with an authentication report by Sami Fortune, ancient jewellery specialist.
Size: D:18.34mm / US: 8 1/4 / UK: Q; Weight: 6g
Provenance: Private Central London collection; ex. UK art market 1990s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.