Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A beautiful ring, hammered from a single sheet of gold and incised with the Latin inscription "VTERE FELIX," which translates to "use with luck." The gorgeous adornment boasts a minimalist form of a slender, multi-faceted band. Though appearing petite and perhaps made for a child to the modern wearer, this ring could also have been worn by a male or female adult due to the prevalence of wearing rings on the tip of one's finger or little finger throughout ancient Rome - as evident via observations on votive and funerary statues, as well as reported in Roman literary sources. "VTERE FELIX" rings were quite popular throughout the empire and have been discovered in military contexts - as a way to wish one success in battle - and at burial sites - perhaps to grant one good fortune in the afterlife. Size (of ring): 0.5" in diameter (1.3 cm); Size (of band): 0.15" W (0.4 cm); Gold quality: 87% (equivalent to over 20 karats); Weight: 1.1 grams
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#142712
Condition
Wearable as a little finger or child's ring. Slight bending to band but form still clear. Light softening of detail on inscription, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent.