Ancient Roman Silver Signet

A superb ancient Roman carnelian intaglio silver signet ring, possibly depicting Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck and fortune. The deep red carnelian intaglio dates to the late 2nd to 3rd century AD and is an example of a Romano-British carving.

Intaglios depicting Fortuna were popular in the Roman world, worn as both personal seals and protective talismans. The goddess was associated with fate, prosperity, and good fortune, and her image was believed to bring favour and protection to the wearer.

Comparable Romano-British carnelian intaglios have been discovered in several important archaeological contexts. A notable group was found at Snettisham in Norfolk, known as the Snettisham Roman jeweller’s hoard, now in the British Museum. More recently, 34 similar intaglios were uncovered during excavations of a high-status Roman bathhouse near Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria. The stones had fallen from their ring mounts and accumulated in a drain; the hot, humid environment likely caused the metal settings to expand and the organic glue used to secure the stones to soften, allowing them to slip free. Of these examples, five also depict Fortuna.

The carnelian is rubover set in a silver mount with an elongated oval hoop, a typical ring form of the Roman period. The ring has developed a beautifully aged patina over the centuries.

UK size H 1/2, US size 4.

Weight 4.54 grams. The intaglio measures approximately 8mm x 10mm.

The ring is in very good overall condition. One corner of the carnelian shows a small crack, though the stone remains secure in its setting.

A remarkable survivor from the Roman world; a wearable piece of ancient history and an excellent addition to any collection of classical antiquities.