Ancient Roman Mars Signet Ring
Most of his festivities were held in March and October. March was first month in the earliest Roman calendar, meaning that he was born with the new year, and the month that most military campaigning began (of course, it remains named after him to this day). October saw the crops brought in and the end of the farming season.
Virility, as a life force (vis) or virtue (virtus) was another essential characteristic of Mars, tying in with his role as an agricultural guardian. He was seen to ward off the hostile forces of nature to create the favourable conditions required for crops to grow. He was called on to ward off "rust" referring to both the red fungus that could ruin a wheat crop, and the iron oxide affecting metal weapons. The wild animals most sacred to Mars were the woodpecker, the wolf, and the bear.
This Mars intaglio dates from the 2nd to 1st century BC, carved into a single piece of banded agate cut en cabochon and set into a Georgian style signet ring mount. Mars stands proud with sword and shield in hand and wearing a military helmet. The bezel around the stone is crafted in 22ct gold, and the dish back and band are in 18ct. It's beautifully made with prominent raised shoulders, the perfect complement to this ancient glyptic gem.
Era: Intaglio dates from the Roman Republic, circa 100 BC. Ring mount is contemporary.
Ring size: 8 US or P 1/2 UK/AUS. Resizable for £35.
Head size: 15.9mm by 13.8mm
Marks: None, tested as 22ct and 18ct gold
Condition: Great. Wear to the stone consistent with age.
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
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Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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