{"product_id":"ancient-roman-garnet-scarab-cameo-ring","title":"Ancient Roman Garnet Scarab Cameo Ring","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn extraordinary survivor from the Roman Empire, dating to approximately the 2nd century AD. A tiny carved garnet scarab beetle sits in a rounded gold band. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe scarab was one of ancient Egypt’s most important protective symbols, associated with the sun god Khepri and the daily rebirth of the sun. Adopted into Roman jewelry through centuries of cultural exchange, the beetle carried meanings including regeneration, protection, and eternal life. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe ring’s construction is fascinating: its substantial-looking band is formed from inner and outer sheets of gold, with an internal framework helping it retain its shape. It's still in pretty good shape, considering its age, but this isn't a ring for everyday wear. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor Romans, scarabs had several attractions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFashion and cultural prestige:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Egyptian motifs became especially fashionable following Rome's conquest of Egypt in 30 BCE. Not every Roman scarab had a religious meaning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne important distinction for antique jewelry: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003escarabs were popular in Italy long before Rome conquered Egypt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The Etruscans adopted scarab-shaped engraved gemstones through Greek and Phoenician contacts, especially during the fifth and fourth centuries BCE. Their scarabs often featured Greek mythological scenes on their undersides, rather than Egyptian religious imagery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMATERIALS: 20k gold (tests), 6mm x 4.5mm garnet scarab\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAGE: c. 2 AD\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCONDITION: Good (considering its age) - tear on the back of inside of the shank (kind of cool though, it reveals one of the pins that hold the shape of the ring between the inner and outer sheets of gold); seam connecting the inner and outer elements of the mounting is open in a few places; discoloration on the inside of the hoop; we've had our jeweler add add a tiny bit of epoxy to the bezel as the scarab was a little loose in its setting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSIZE: 7, the ring is hollow and cannot be resized\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53017410502938,"sku":"R3519","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0156\/5502\/files\/R3519-1.jpg?v=1791916567","url":"https:\/\/checkout.ericaweiner.com\/products\/ancient-roman-garnet-scarab-cameo-ring","provider":"Erica Weiner LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}