Ca. 200 BC-100 AD. Late Hellenistic/ Early Roman. A beautiful gold ring with a thin circular band and applied oval bezel set with an oval black gemstone with a beautiful intaglio depicting a left-facing male youth. The man is portrayed as clean-shaven, he has neatly arranged curly hair and a strong neck. These features are reminiscent of the Hellenistic ruler portraits that we find on Hellenistic coins. For more information on Hellenistic ruler portraiture and similar portrait iconography, see Kroll, J.H. (2007) 'The emergence of the ruler portraiture on early Hellenistic coins: the importance of being divine'. In P. Schultz and R. von den Hoff (eds), Early Hellenistic Portraiture: Image, Style, Context. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 117; 121. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. It also comes with a gemological and historical report by an independent specialist Anna Rogers. This analysis will accompany the purchase. Size: D: 17.97mm / US: 7 3/4 / UK: P1/2; 3g. Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s in Belgium; previously in 1970s European collection.