100-300 AD. Roman. A stunning gold wing with a thick, circular hoop and rounded red stone intaglio setting engraved with a bee in flight. Bees were associated with the goddess Artemis, and because the Temple of Artemis was situated in Ephesus, bees became a symbol of the city too. In fact, priestesses at the Temple were even called melissae (meaning honeybees). This gorgeous item might once have belonged either to a priestess or to one of the city’s chief magistrates. Excellent condition; wearable.Size: D: 17.45mm / US: 7 1/4 / UK: O1/2; 5.6g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1980s.