Early 3rd century AD. A silver ring with massive D-section ellipsoidal hoop, expanding towards prominent rounded shoulders; ellipsoid shield with a modelled plaque inscribed with the Latin letters VIVAVITA (Living Life"). Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, type V of the rings without stones, p.99 and item no.228.11.50 grams, 26.51mm overall, 19.30x16.76mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14) (1"). From the property of an Essex private collector; acquired in the early 1990s. A large wearable size. This type of finger ring is representative of the early 3rd century AD. It was a popular form amongst Roman soldiers, for example, nicely illustrated by a ring belonging to a soldier of the Legio I Minervia (Ruseva-Slokoska, 1991, cat.n.181"). The expression on the bezel, VIVA VITA, was often used by Romans to wish for an absence of war (ante Bellum) and to protect against death (ante mortem"). The ring offered here may have belonged to a soldier, or to a Christian man, both of whom were legitimately concerned with the dangers of life and persecution.