File:2009-T636 -Gold Roman finger ring (FindID 273833).jpg

English: Roman gold finger-ring of keeled type, the D-sectioned hoop widening to sub-triangular angular shoulders with a triangular notch on each edge close to the bezel. Two incised grooves run from where the shoulder meets the bezel to where the shoulder meets the loop on both shoulders, this creates a triangular panel on each shoulder. The central panel of this section is raised to the height of the shoulder edges. The ring has been squashed so it is no longer circular but it is complete.

The ring is mounted with a prominent ovular bezel consisting of a blue stone intaglio encased within a box setting. The intaglio has a crack running horizontally across the middle. It portrays Mars seated right, holding a transverse spear, behind the head, which runs behind his body and a Victoriola in his other hand, extended in front. His shield is to the left at his feet. Henig Type VIII.

Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis (by hand- held Bruker XRF) of the surface of the ring indicated a gold content of approximately 90%, with silver and copper also present (the method allows no greater certainty than this general figure). The gem was identified by Raman spectroscopy as quartz of a colour generally termed chalcedony. Analysis was carried out by Sue La Niece and Janet Ambers of the British Museum's Department of Conservation and Scientific Research.

Date: 3^rd century AD