Roman carnelian intaglio ring, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st - 2nd century CE

The delicate intaglio carved from red-orange carnelian features a bay laurel leaf. It is set in an antique Georgian ring with an oval bezel and dainty shank. The laurel has been a powerful symbol of triumph throughout Greco-Roman history.

In ancient Greece, the laurel wreath was closely tied to Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and prophecy. According to myth, Apollo pursued the nymph Daphne, who was transformed into a laurel tree, to escape his advances. In honor of this love for her, Apollo made the laurel his sacred plant, and the wreath symbolized victory, poetic inspiration, and artistic achievement. The Greeks awarded laurel wreaths to victors in the Olympic and Pythian Games. This tradition was adopted by the Romans, who expanded its symbolism to military victory and triumph in battle. Military commanders were crowned with laurel wreaths during their triumph upon their return from a successful campaign. Roman emperors famously wore laurel wreaths as a symbol of their divine status and as a powerful visual tool to communicate their authority. The wreath served as a mark of both political and military success, and its association with Apollo reinforced the idea that emperors were not just rulers but had a special, almost god-like connection to the divine realm. 

Medium: Garnet, gold

Dimensions: US ring size: 7.5. Intaglio length: 7 mm

Condition: The intaglio has two minor chips along the edge that do not detract, otherwise intact and in very good condition.

Provenance:  Private English collection, then by descent, thereafter private European collection.