If I had a lot of money to blow, I’d be busy buying ancient and antique jewellery. There’s something fascinating about really old pieces – imagining the person who originally owned them, the times they lived in and how the item was preserved for centuries.

This ring offered by Romanov Russia dates to about 220 AD, has a fascinating backstory. They say, “These exceptionally rare and impressive ancient Roman crescent shaped earrings are crafted in high karat gold (approximately 22K). Each earring is set with an oval sardonyx cameo carved with the draped bust of a woman. Suspended from the gold crescents are black glass beads attached by delicate gold chains, creating an elegant sense of movement.

Comparable female portrait cameos can be found in Treasures of the Ferrell Collection by Jeffrey Spier (nos. 53 and 54). The hairstyle depicted on those cameos closely resembles that of the women shown on these earrings, with the hair drawn back and gathered into a small bun at the nape of the neck. According to Spier, this coiffure became a fashionable style introduced by the empresses of the mid-Severan period and remained popular around 220–230 AD.

Another Roman cameo depicting this distinctive mid-Severan hairstyle is illustrated in The Guy Ladrière Collection of Gems and Rings (no. 68), providing an additional published parallel for the dating and iconography of these earrings.

Aside from the loss of one glass bead from each earring, the earrings are remarkably well preserved. They remain structurally sound and fully wearable. For greater comfort and versatility, modern 22K gold ear hoops have been added. The hoops can be gently twisted, allowing the earrings to be oriented either facing forward or to the side when worn.”

They are priced at USD$16,000.