Gold finger ring
This impressive ring was used as a betrothal or wedding band—a tradition that only became firmly established in the third century A.D. The small size of the hoop suggests that it was given to a young fiancée or bride, but its weight implies that the couple was able to afford valuable pieces of gold jewelry.
Artwork Details
- Title: Gold finger ring
- Period: Late Imperial
- Date: 3rd century CE
- Culture: Roman
- Medium: Gold
- Dimensions: 1/2 × 3/4 in., 0.499oz. (1.3 × 1.9 cm, 14.15g)
Other (Bezel): 7/16 × 5/16 in. (1.2 × 0.8 cm) - Classification: Gold and Silver
- Credit Line: Purchase, Patricia and Marietta Fried Gift, 2016
- Object Number: 2016.239
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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