Circa 100-200 AD A gold ring with oval banded agate gem depicting an eagle standing on a nest, its wings deployed, eatting a hare. The shoulders of the ring are wide and have decorative scrolls on both sides. In Ancient Rome, seeing an eagle in the sky was considered a symbol of good luck and assistance from the gods, as this bird is very strong and a phenomenal predator, hence resulting as a very good auspicia, a sign of divine benevolence. Ring possibly later. The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential dressing accessory, for it provided a public display of their wealth. Roman jewellery first followed fashion set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but as the Roman empire spread and became more prosperous, so did its jewellery designs be more increasing elaborate. The behavior of wearing rings was popular amongst the Romans and was likely introduced by the Sabines, who in early legends, as wearing gold rings with precious gemstones. For other rings with eagles see: Cf. Henig, M.; Classical Gems, The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Size: D: 18.19mm / US: 8 / UK: Q; 7.51g Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.