Roman Gold Ring w/ Banded Agate Intaglio of Minerva

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com

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• Lot Description
  Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A captivating ring, forged from over 21 karats of pure gold, cradles a petite agate intaglio, a gem alive with natural artistry. Within the stone's heart, bands of burgundy, vermillion, and cream swirl in a vibrant dance of color. Skillfully incised upon this flattened face is the image of Minerva, the helmeted goddess, known to the Greeks as Athena. She stands in profile, facing right, a spear held aloft in one hand, while her other arm extends, perhaps to grasp a shield or a victor's wreath. The gem, a miniature world of color and myth, rises from a smooth, tubular band of gold. Size of intaglio: 0.3" L x 0.25" W (0.8 cm x 0.6 cm); of ring: 1.1" L x 1.125" W (2.8 cm x 2.9 cm); US ring size: 8; gold quality: 88.3% (21.2 karats); weight: 7.4 grams
  
  Minerva, the Roman counterpart to the Greek goddess Athena, was a powerful and multifaceted deity. She was revered as the goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and craftsmanship. Often depicted with a helmet, spear, and shield, Minerva symbolized strategic intelligence and skill in battle, rather than brute force. She was also a patron of the arts, literature, and various crafts, embodying the intellectual and creative aspects of civilization. Minerva's influence extended across Roman society, and she was honored with temples and festivals, signifying her importance in both public and private life.
  
  Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #193231

  Condition

  Weathering and loss of detail to intaglio with encrustations at base. Otherwise, ring and intaglio are intact, excellent, and wearable.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

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