Ca. 100-300 AD. Roman. A wearable gold ring with circular hoop, flared shoulders, and an oval bezel set with a chalcedony gemstone; the beautiful intaglio depicts a hand holding an anchor and a stalk of grains placed horizontally. Excellent condition. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. It also comes with a gemological and historical report by an independent specialist Anna Rogers. This analysis will accompany the purchase. The ancient Roman goddesses Providentia - the divine personification of the ability to foresee and make provision - and Laetitia - one of the epithets of Ceres, Roman goddess of fertility and abundance - were both occasionally displayed with wheat and anchors. The stalk of grains placed horizontally across the anchor may indicate that this ring belonged to a private merchant or naval officer involved in the transportation of the 'cura annonae'. 'Cura annonae' was the term used in ancient Rome, in honour of their goddess Annona, to describe the import and distribution of grain to the residents of the city of Rome. Rome imported most of the grain consumed by its population. The 'praefectus annonae' ("Prefect of the Provisions") was the Roman Imperial official charged with the supervision of the grain supply to the city of Rome. The first 'praefectus annonae' was appointed by Augustus in 7 BC; under the Republic, the job was usually carried out by an aedile (an elected officer responsible for maintenance of public buildings (aedēs), regulation of public festivals, enforcing public order and duties to ensure the city of Rome was well supplied and its civil infrastructure well maintained). Size: D: 19.31mm / US: 9 3/8 / UK: S1/2; 5.4g. Provenance: Property of a central London Ancient Art Gallery; previously obtained from a British private collection formed before 2000.