2nd century A.D. A bronze ring with D-section hoop, expanding at the shoulders to an ellipsoidal bezel and set with an oval chalcedony gemstone engraved 'FILHTOU', 'of Filitos', over two lines in Greek. 8.99 grams, 26.24 mm overall, 20.73 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13) (1 in.). Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. Apanied by an old cataloguing ticket. The inscription identifies the original owner. It was worn to convey the wearer's wealth and social standing, but also served a practical purpose; signet rings were used as seals to authenticate legal documents or letters.