Roman gold ring with lyre nicolo intaglio, circa 1st-3rd Century.

Unearthed by a metal detectorist on cultivated land near Sutton Maddock, Shropshire.

This ring is in fine condition, commensurate with its age.

The lyre is an ancient stringed instrument which, in Roman culture, symbolised divine harmony, wisdom, moderation and the triumph of order over chaos. Adopted from Greek mythology into Roman art and literature, it was one of the principal attributes of Apollo, the god of music, poetry, prophecy and healing.
This intaglio is carved from nicolo, a variety of layered onyx in which a thin, translucent bluish-grey upper layer contrasts with the darker stone beneath, bringing the engraved design to the fore.
The ring is a fine example of Guiraud's (1989) Type 2, a recognised Roman ring form dating from the first to early third centuries AD. Although widely documented, examples fashioned in gold are considerably rarer.
This ring may have been worn by an individual engaged in the arts or intellectual pursuits, or holding a position of civic authority, reflecting Apollo’s associations with artistic inspiration, wisdom and the maintenance of civil order.