Roman Jewellery

Roman jewellery consisted of Rings, Pins, Pendants, Earrings, Brooches, Bracelets, Necklaces and Tiaras.
Jewellery was made from Iron, Bronze, Tin, Silver and Gold with Precious Stones sometimes being added, in particular, Pearls were the most common.

During the Roman Period, jewellery making was concentrated in three cities, Alexandria, Antioch and Rome.
As a consequence, the style of decoration continued to be either Egyptian, Greek or Etruscan, since the craftsmen in these regions simply continued their trade under the Roman Empire.
As the Empire became wealthier, the main changes in style were in the increased use of gold, the creation of more intricate designs and the greater use of precious gemstones from the East.

A Roman Intaglio was a semi-precious Gemstone, usually engraved, attached to a ring made of Gold or Silver.
The image engraved in the Gemstone was either of a God or had some similar theme.
When pressed into wax to create a seal, the Intaglio left a distinctive raised image.
The Intaglio formed part of a unique Signet Ring conferring the Authority of the Individual Roman Official on Documents.