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Roman Seal Ring

Hippodrome Ring with Antique Agate Seal
Hippodrome Ring with Antique Agate Seal

Hippodrome Ring with Antique Agate Seal

Located in Istanbul, TR

The Hippodrome Ring takes its name from the elongated oval geometry of ancient Roman Hippodromes and Circuses—a monumental architectural form reduced here to a simple, sculptural line.

Category

2010s Turkish Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 24k Gold

Aphrodisias Ring with Antique Agate Seal
Aphrodisias Ring with Antique Agate Seal

Aphrodisias Ring with Antique Agate Seal

Located in Istanbul, TR

The Aphrodisias Ring plays with scale and history. Its band is formed entirely from generously sized 24 Karat Pure Gold granules—a contemporary interpretation of the ancient art of g...

Category

2010s Turkish Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 24k Gold

Recent Sales

Antique Unisex Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring, Antique Roman Agate Seal Ring
Antique Unisex Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring, Antique Roman Agate Seal Ring

Antique Unisex Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring, Antique Roman Agate Seal Ring

Located in Rottedam, NL

The intaglio is ancient Roman set in a later ring and is preserved in a good state with minor surface grinding.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian High Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18 Karat Roman Carnelian Seal Ring ‘200 BC’ with Victorian Ring Shank
Antique 18 Karat Roman Carnelian Seal Ring ‘200 BC’ with Victorian Ring Shank

Antique 18 Karat Roman Carnelian Seal Ring ‘200 BC’ with Victorian Ring Shank

Located in Braintree, GB

An antique 18K yellow gold ring, with a Roman carnelian seal of the period 200 BC, with added later beautifully engraved shank of the ring which is circa 1940's Dimensions - Finge...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings

Archeological Revival Roman Seal Ring 18k-20k
Archeological Revival Roman Seal Ring 18k-20k

Archeological Revival Roman Seal Ring 18k-20k

Located in Litchfield, CT

This beautiful Georgian ring is set with a fine late-Roman Empire seal (intaglio-cut garnet).

Category

Antique 1820s British Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sacchi Engraved Carnelian Cylinder Seal Ring 18 Karat Satin Yellow Gold
Sacchi Engraved Carnelian Cylinder Seal Ring 18 Karat Satin Yellow Gold

Sacchi Engraved Carnelian Cylinder Seal Ring 18 Karat Satin Yellow Gold

By Sacchi Gioielli

Located in Rome, IT

Gorgeous Engraved Carnelian Cylinder Seal Ring in Satin Yellow Gold, from Sacchi’s "Rome" Collection, hand-crafted with lost-wax casting technique. Lost-wax casting, one of the olde...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Cocktail Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emperor Caracalla Victorian Carnelian Intaglio Seal Ring
Emperor Caracalla Victorian Carnelian Intaglio Seal Ring

Emperor Caracalla Victorian Carnelian Intaglio Seal Ring

Located in Farnham, GB

This ring was likely converted from a desk seal. Tests as 9ct gold.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 9k Gold

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Ancient Roman gold ring with agate intaglio of Minerva, circa 2nd - 3rd century
Ancient Roman gold ring with agate intaglio of Minerva, circa 2nd - 3rd century

Ancient Roman gold ring with agate intaglio of Minerva, circa 2nd - 3rd century

Located in London, GB

Ancient Roman gold ring with agate intaglio of Minerva. Set with an oval banded agate intaglio to centre of the standing goddess Minerva with long robes and helmet, holding a winged ...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Signet Rings

Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio
Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio

Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: II century A.D Ring size: 8 Top size: 14 mm x 11 mm Weight: 6.8 gr This magical ring from the Roman era, dating back to the 2nd century, is characterized by a simple contemp...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

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Jasper, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

18K Gold Ring w Venus Intaglio
18K Gold Ring w Venus Intaglio

18K Gold Ring w Venus Intaglio

Located in Atlanta, GA

A hand crafted 21 karat gold ring made with an authentic Carnelian intaglio representing Venus (or Aphrodite, as she was called during the time it was made). Aphrodite is the Greek g...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Classical Greek Signet Rings

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Medieval Carnelian Intaglio Gold Lion Ring
Medieval Carnelian Intaglio Gold Lion Ring

Medieval Carnelian Intaglio Gold Lion Ring

Located in London, GB

Medieval lion intaglio ring. Set centrally with an oval cabochon carnelian intaglio engraved with a stylised representation of a lion with a crucifix on its back, with alternating am...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier British Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

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21k Gold Ring W/ Cornelian Intaglio
21k Gold Ring W/ Cornelian Intaglio

21k Gold Ring W/ Cornelian Intaglio

Located in Atlanta, GA

An artisan-crafted 21 karat gold ring made with an authentic cornelian intaglio representing Venus (or Aphrodite, as she was called during the time it was made). Aphrodite is the Gre...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Classical Greek Signet Rings

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Ancient Roman Cameo High Karat Gold Ring
Ancient Roman Cameo High Karat Gold Ring

Ancient Roman Cameo High Karat Gold Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Roman Empire, 2nd – 3rd century A.D. This massive solid gold ring with broad shoulders is of a very fine workmanship. The ring is crafted in high karat gold (about 24K). It is cente...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Dome Rings

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Gold

Ancient Roman Gold Ring With Amazon Intaglio 2rd Century AD
Ancient Roman Gold Ring With Amazon Intaglio 2rd Century AD

Ancient Roman Gold Ring With Amazon Intaglio 2rd Century AD

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: 2nd century Dimension: 1,7 x 1,3 cm Ring size: 6  Weight: 9,2 gr Dating back to the 2nd century, the ring is composed of a gold frame and a contemporary carnelian intaglio e...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

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Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold

Antique Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring in Yellow Gold
Antique Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring in Yellow Gold

Antique Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring in Yellow Gold

Located in London, GB

An antique carnelian intaglio signet ring made in 9k yellow gold. A true piece of history, this exquisite ring features a beautifully carved carnelian intaglio stone set in a classi...

Category

Antique 1880s Late Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Yellow Gold

Gold Ring With Hare Pinkish Agate Roman Cameo 1st-Century AD
Gold Ring With Hare Pinkish Agate Roman Cameo 1st-Century AD

Gold Ring With Hare Pinkish Agate Roman Cameo 1st-Century AD

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: 1st century Ring size: 7 ¾ Dimensions (cameo): 1,9 x 1,4 cm Weight: 5,27 gr This delightful pink agate cameo of Roman production dates back to the 1st century and is set in...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Victorian 14k Gold Banded Agate Intaglio Signet Ring with Shield
Victorian 14k Gold Banded Agate Intaglio Signet Ring with Shield

Victorian 14k Gold Banded Agate Intaglio Signet Ring with Shield

Located in Venice, CA

Set in 14k gold, the banded agate intaglio ring is hand-carved with a unique image: a shield topped by a knight’s helmet and a plume of feathers. The shield contains a six-pointed st...

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Antique 1880s European Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Roman Agate Intaglio Ring 18 Karat Gold Symbol of Fortune and Good Luck
Antique Roman Agate Intaglio Ring 18 Karat Gold Symbol of Fortune and Good Luck

Antique Roman Agate Intaglio Ring 18 Karat Gold Symbol of Fortune and Good Luck

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This 18 karat gold ring is set with a deep brown agate intaglio. The roman intaglio dates from the second / third century AC and depicts a hand holding a oar, a poppy and one other f...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, 18k Gold

A Roman Gnostic Intaglio In Agate 3rd Century AD Ring
A Roman Gnostic Intaglio In Agate 3rd Century AD Ring

A Roman Gnostic Intaglio In Agate 3rd Century AD Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

A very interesting gnostic intaglio made on a dark grey mottled agate. The front shows two snakes whose tails seem to turn into rods(?) which are then held in the mouths of the oppos...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

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Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Magical Carnelian Intaglio Ring circa 2nd century A.D
Roman Magical Carnelian Intaglio Ring circa 2nd century A.D

Roman Magical Carnelian Intaglio Ring circa 2nd century A.D

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: II century A.D. Top size: 17 mm x 15 mm Size:8 1/4 Weight: 16.67 gr The Roman carving, dating back to around the 2nd century AD, is made of carnelian and is set in a modern...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

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Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold

22k Gold Intaglio Ring with Agate, Goddess Fortuna, Italy, 3rd Century
22k Gold Intaglio Ring with Agate, Goddess Fortuna, Italy, 3rd Century

22k Gold Intaglio Ring with Agate, Goddess Fortuna, Italy, 3rd Century

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: III century Ring size: 8 ½ Weight: 5,61 gr L’intaglio di epoca romana, ascrivibile al III secolo circa, è realizzato in agata e oro. Al centro si scorge l’incisione della de...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Intaglio of a Gryllos Sileno and Eagle
Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Intaglio of a Gryllos Sileno and Eagle

Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Intaglio of a Gryllos Sileno and Eagle

Located in Firenze, IT

The Roman intaglio of the I-III century is made of carnelian and is inserted in an ancient gold frame with side braids. In the center, instead, is carved a gryllos, therefore, a doub...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold

Ancient 22k Gold Roman Jasper Intaglio Signet Ring, 2nd Century Italy
Ancient 22k Gold Roman Jasper Intaglio Signet Ring, 2nd Century Italy

Ancient 22k Gold Roman Jasper Intaglio Signet Ring, 2nd Century Italy

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: 2nd century Dimensions: 9 x 13 mm Ring Size: 7 Weight: 8,30 gr The intaglio of the second century of Roman production, depicts the profile of a male figure wearing a radiate...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Jasper, Gold, 22k Gold

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A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace
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A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace

Located in London, GB

A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace, the flexible tapering yellow gold body formed of three rows of scale-like collets each set with a round cabochon-cut turquoise, the h...

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Steven Battelle 6.3 Carats Cabochon Pink Tourmaline 18K Gold Earrings
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Located in Soquel, CA

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Located in Birmingham, GB

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By Steven Battelle

Located in Soquel, CA

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A Neoclassical carnelian intaglio set in an 18k gold ring. Zeus Labraundos
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A Neoclassical carnelian intaglio set in an 18k gold ring. Zeus Labraundos

Located in London, GB

Intaglio 15 × 21 mm; 18k gold mount – ring size EU 53 (US 6½ / UK M½) — open hoop, adjustable; gross weight 7.46 g. Neoclassical intaglio, late 18th – early 19th century, after a Ca...

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A Renaissance gold ring set with a carnelian intaglio. Old man seated on a rock
A Renaissance gold ring set with a carnelian intaglio. Old man seated on a rock

A Renaissance gold ring set with a carnelian intaglio. Old man seated on a rock

Located in London, GB

Intaglio 8 × 10 mm Gold mount – ring size EU 59 (US 9 / UK R½); gross weight 6.19 g. Ring and intaglio: Late Renaissance or earlier Very good condition; crisp engraving; minor loss...

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Located in New York, NY

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Teos Ring

$7,950

Teos Ring

Located in Istanbul, TR

Part of Bulent’s Ancient Minimalism collection, the Teos Ring draws its name from the ancient Ionian city of Teos and its spirit from the restrained simplicity of the Archaic world. ...

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2010s Turkish Classical Roman Fashion Rings

Materials

24k Gold

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Located in Chicago, IL

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By Mario Buccellati

Located in Flushing, NY

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$49,600

D 0.7 in L 8.5 in

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Located in Istanbul, TR

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Located in Litchfield, CT

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Roman Seal Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact roman seal ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, yellow gold and silver. Our collection of these items for sale includes 10 vintage editions and 4 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect roman seal ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. A roman seal ring from DUBINI, Romae Jewelry and Sacchi Gioielli — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Take a look at a roman seal ring featuring garnet from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and octagon cut alternatives. Most of our roman seal ring for sale are for men, but there are 10 pieces available to browse for women.

How Much is a Roman Seal Ring?

On average, a roman seal ring at 1stDibs sells for $1,750, while they’re typically $154 on the low end and $25,792 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in. 

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Signet-rings for You

Traditionally considered a ring for men, a vintage signet ring is a popular gift today for anyone who desires an expressive, timeless piece of jewelry that can feature all manner of engraved motifs, gemstones, specific symbols or monograms.

Whether it's an antique gold signet ring, diamond signet ring or some other classic iteration, signet rings get their name from signus, which means “sign” in Latin.

These rings, which may historically be referred to as “seal rings,” date back thousands of years and were used as a form of signature. Whatever may have been engraved on the ring — a married couple’s initials, a family crest — identified ownership for the purposes of authenticating documents and more when impressed on soft wax. During the Middle Ages, signet rings were symbols of power and prestige and common accessories for nobility. Later, during the 19th century, precious and semiprecious stones such as rubies and diamonds were added to gold signet rings as they took on a more ornate appearance than they had previously. 

In recent years, fashion has been primarily about individuality, and nothing is more personal than a jewel bearing a name or monogram. That is the reason jewelers have revived traditional signet rings, custom-engraving their designs with customers’ preferred words or symbols. Those who prefer the thrill of the hunt have a range of vintage letter charms and pendants to sift through.

And it isn't all about men's signet rings anymore, either — the accessory is for everyone. Princess Diana wore a signet ring that was a gift from Charles before their wedding, and we all know that the royals are top-tier fashion influencers, especially when it comes to rings.

Find vintage diamond signet rings, onyx signet rings and other types of rings on 1stDibs.

Questions About Roman Seal Ring

  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    A seal ring — or signet ring — is a popular gift for anyone who desires an expressive, timeless piece of jewelry that can feature all manner of engraved motifs, gemstones, specific symbols or monograms. Signet rings get their name from signus, which means “sign” in Latin. The rings, which may historically be referred to as “seal rings,” date back thousands of years and were used as a form of signature. Whatever may have been engraved on the ring — a married couple’s initials, a family crest — identified ownership for the purposes of authenticating documents and more when impressed on soft wax. Find antique and vintage signet rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Roman intaglio ring is a signet ring with an image carved into stone. Today the ring is worn as an accessory. In ancient Rome, intaglio rings were worn by prominent businessmen and politicians and even used as impressions on signatures of hot wax. Browse a wide range of Roman intaglio rings from reputable sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Finger rings were a sign of wealth, status, and knowledge in Ancient Rome. The Romans wore multiple rings at once and favored showy examples. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of authentic Roman rings from some of the world’s top sellers.