An exceptional ancient Roman gold ring featuring a circular hoop and a finely decorated trumpet bezel. Composed of bulbous petals, the bezel is flanked by two gold granules at the base and adorned by a frieze of evenly spaced, smaller granules at the top. The piece is further enriched with a deep-red cabochon garnet, finely carved with a male head facing left. Portrayed as bearded and bold, the man closely resembles the Greek philosopher Socrates, presenting a head type similar to the work of the early Hellenistic period. The broad nose, said to have linked the philosopher to a silenus, allows a second possible interpretation of the figure as one of the mythical creatures, part man part beast, closely associated with the god Dionysus.

Closest UK ring size: U.