ROMAN FINGER RING

100

RB small nicolo paste set in silver bezel with angled walls; narrow hoop now lost. The motif depicts a male figure with one foot raised to rest on a support which is not represented. One lowered arm is probably concealed in a fold of drapery, while the other arm is raised and a small animal is held aloft. The type is Neptune, his foot on a prow, holding a fish or small dolphin. What little remains of the ring suggests a 2nd-3rd century date. Though the gem is of small size and there are imperfections in the glass, the engraving is competent, and the type would seem to be fairly uncommon in Britain. Henig notes 2 examples, his nos. 18 and 19. Size of gem 9x7mm.