ca. 100–300 AD. A gold ring with a circular band and an oval bezel set with a blue gem; the delicate Roman intaglio depicts a scorpion (possibly later); the scorpion was the emblem of the Praetorian Guard, the Roman emperor’s personal army elite unit; fully wearable condition. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK and European art market.Size: D: 19.3mm / US: 9 3/8 / UK: S 1/2; 4.3g