Ca. 100-200 AD. An oval-shaped jasper intaglio featuring a meticulously crafted left-facing young female portrait. The woman's enigmatic gaze captures attention with its piercing intensity. Her facial features are executed with remarkable precision and attention to detail. The large, expressive eyes are skillfully carved, conveying a sense of depth and vitality. The delicate nose is elegantly contoured, and the slightly parted lips convey an air of quiet poise and elegance. The overall effect is a stunningly lifelike portrait that captures the essence of a young woman of the Roman era. The woman's hair is arranged in a chignon, a classic hairstyle characterized by a bun at the nape of the neck, and topped with a laurel wreath, a symbol of victory and achievement in ancient Rome. The intaglio is set in a gold ring of a possibly later period. Intaglios were highly valued in ancient Rome, both as works of art and as personal adornments. These gemstones were used to create seals, signet rings, and other decorative items, and they were often engraved with images and inscriptions that had symbolic or personal significance. The art of intaglio carving was highly esteemed, and skilled craftsmen were greatly respected.Size: D: 16.92mm / US: 6 1/2 / UK: N; 8.34gProvenance: Private London collection; British art market 1990s.