{"product_id":"ancient-roman-bronze-finger-ring-2nd-3rd-century-ce","title":"Ancient Roman Bronze Finger Ring with Broad Oval Bezel | Eastern Mediterranean | Circa 2nd–3rd Century CE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Mediterranean\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bronze (copper alloy)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roman Imperial Period, circa 2nd–3rd century CE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA substantial ancient Roman bronze finger ring distinguished by a broad oval bezel, gently expanding shoulders, and a solid rounded hoop. The form is characteristic of Roman Imperial bronze rings in which the hoop gradually widens toward an integral bezel, creating a prominent upper surface while retaining a durable and practical construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shoulders are decorated with two parallel transverse grooves on either side of the bezel, providing a restrained architectural division between the broad face and the narrower hoop. The recessed grooves now display lighter earthy bronze tones that contrast with the surrounding dark green patinated surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bezel is broad and predominantly plain, with extensive wear and mineralization consistent with considerable age. A curved area of lighter green patina is visible across the lower portion of the bezel. While this coloration creates a crescent-like appearance, the photographs do not provide sufficient evidence to identify it securely as an intentionally engraved symbol, and it is more conservatively understood as natural variation in the ancient patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bronze surface has developed a deep olive-green to nearly black patina with lighter green mineral deposits, scattered earthen encrustation, and localized exposed bronze coloration. The combination of its heavy construction, expanding shoulders, broad bezel, and incised decoration is consistent with Roman finger-ring traditions of the Imperial period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Broad oval integral bezel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Paired transverse incised grooves decorating both shoulders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Solid one-piece cast bronze construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Rounded hoop gradually widening toward the bezel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Deep olive-green to nearly black archaeological patina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Lighter green mineralization and natural surface deposits\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Complete and substantial surviving ring form\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinger rings were widely worn throughout the Roman world and served as highly personal objects of adornment. Examples were produced in gold, silver, iron, bronze, and other copper alloys, making rings accessible across a wide range of social and economic levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBroad-bezel rings such as this example reflect the Roman preference for emphasizing the upper surface of the ring. Some bezels carried engraved symbols, inscriptions, portraits, or devices that could function as personal identifiers or seals, while others were left relatively plain and served primarily as durable personal ornaments. The restrained shoulder decoration and substantial cast form of this ring provide a tangible example of everyday Roman metalwork and personal adornment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood ancient condition consistent with age and archaeological burial. The ring remains complete and structurally intact with extensive dark olive-green and black patination, lighter green mineralization, surface pitting, oxidation, and scattered earthen deposits. The paired shoulder grooves remain clearly visible. The bezel shows considerable wear and presently displays no securely identifiable inscription or engraved device. A small localized blue-green mineral accretion is visible on the outer hoop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRing Size: US 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1,700–1,900 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in London during the 1970s. The artifact later entered the collection of Dr. Arnold Saslow, a noted numismatist and antiquarian who handled ancient coins, antiquities, and other historic objects over several decades, and was associated with Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe in New Jersey. It was subsequently handled by Artemis Fine Arts, a U.S.-based gallery specializing in ancient, Classical, Pre-Columbian, and ethnographic art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore Roman finger rings in the collection of the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/G_1917-0501-672\" title=\"Roman Finger Rings – British Museum\"\u003eBritish Museum\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/roman-greek-artifacts-ancient-relics\" title=\"Roman \u0026amp; Greek Artifacts – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003ecollection of Roman \u0026amp; Greek artifacts\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67657373581634,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/First_photo_design_-_2026-10-05T092147.218.jpg?v=1791206734","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/es\/products\/ancient-roman-bronze-finger-ring-2nd-3rd-century-ce","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}