Ancient Roman Fortuna Intaglio Ring

Circa 200-300 A.D. an ancient talismanic Roman ring featuring a carnelian intaglio of the goddess Fortuna, the personification of luck and good fortune, protector of fertility and the bountiful harvest. The intaglio is small and the carving gestural, but the details of Fortuna's symbolic cornucopia and ship's rudder are clear and precise.

I feel a thrilled sense of awe to hold something in my hand that was worn 2,000 years ago. With the contemplation of how much of human history has passed between the moment of its creation, and the delicate weight of it now in my hands, comes a sense of responsibility towards preserving it for future generations.

Details: Measuring approximately 7/16" in diameter across the face with a 3.9 mm width at the center back. On close examination it appears the ring was reshanked at some point in its history with a solid piece of 24k. The construction of the top corresponds to ancient methods of goldsmithing: forming the bezel cup and face with thin sheets of high karat gold carefully constructed to create a form that is relatively hollow but appears solid. The back of the band XRF tests to 24k, the front to 22k without trace elements of contemporary alloys.

Size: Measures size 4 on the mandrel, we do not recommend resizing.

Condition: Overall in excellent wearable condition. There are a few dings and marks but nothing obvious or disfiguring. The ring is very wearable, with reasonable concern for removal before strenuous activities like housework, sports, etc.