Roman Gold Ring with Dolphin Design

Date: c. 2nd - 3rd Century A.D.
Weight: 4.14 grams
Size: 8 (U.S.) / P 1/2 (U.K.) 

Dated to the 2nd–3rd century A.D., this Roman gold ring is set with a vivid carnelian intaglio depicting a dolphin in fluid profile. The creature—arched in motion with its characteristic beak and fin—appears suspended in a moment of graceful propulsion, its form delicately incised yet clearly legible to the eye.

The dolphin, a recurrent motif in Roman iconography, was more than a mere ornament; it stood as a symbol of protection, swiftness, and divine favor—especially in connection with Neptune, god of the sea, and Venus, to whom dolphins were sacred. Such imagery would have been deeply resonant in the Roman world, where maritime life, commerce, and mythology intertwined.

The ring’s form is understated and elegant: the gold shank rises organically to meet the gem, creating a seamless silhouette that frames the carnelian without interruption. Though time has softened the surface, the ring retains both the quiet luxury of its material and the symbolic weight of its intaglio—an intimate object likely worn not only for beauty, but for its apotropaic charge.

A similar ring can be found in the collection of the British museum featuring a similar intaglio style (Catalogue Number: 1917,0501.420).

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

You will receive the exact ring shown in the photos.

Our ancient jewelry pieces are carefully sourced from a trusted network of antiquities specialists, collectors, and licensed dealers across Europe and the Middle East. Each item in our collection has been professionally vetted for authenticity and often comes with details about its historical origin and cultural background. While it may seem surprising, artifacts like these are more abundant than most people realize—thousands have survived over the centuries, often thanks to being buried in hoards or passed down through generations. These objects were once everyday items, worn or used by real people in the ancient world, and many have remained remarkably well-preserved.