Ca. 100-300 AD. A gold finger ring composed of a tapering hoop with faceted shoulders supporting an amethyst intaglio engraved with a dynamic scene of a man riding a donkey. The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential dressing accessory, for it provided a public display of their wealth. Roman jewellery first followed fashion set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but as the Roman empire spread and became more prosperous, so did its jewellery designs become increasingly elaborate. The behavior of wearing rings was popular amongst the Romans and was likely introduced by the Sabines, who in early legends, as wearing gold rings with precious gemstones.Size: D: 18.14mm / US: 8 / UK: P 1/2; 10.32gProvenance: From the private collection of Mr. R. Unger; previously with a London gallery; acquired in before 2000 on the UK art market.