This discussion has been closed.
Posted by Aquitaine (U5070847) on Wednesday, 26th July 2006
I have a Roman finger ring that I purchased from a company in Great Britain. It's a bronze ring that was found in Hungary near the Danube River. The ring was made in the 4th or 5th century.
I am trying to find out what else would have been used to make the ring besides bronze. What I really want to know is whether it is safe to wear on my fingers.
What craftsmen made jewelry in Roman times?
Aquitaine
Without seeing the ring, one can't even guess, but I think it would be unlikely that there is anything dangerous in the composition.
Roman jewellry would have been the product of jewellers and goldsmiths, generally.
I recently read (and I wish I could remember where) that lead might have been added to some rings - why I don't know.
I am going to take the ring to a jeweler - probably this weekend - for analysis.
I will let you know what he/she says about it.
I purchased it from "Timeline Originals" in Great Britain - a company that buys and sells ancient and medieval coins, rings, etc.
It came through Customs with a certificate indicating that it was indeed a very old Roman finger ring. I received a email reply to a email note to them at a later date in which one of the staff indicated that he thought the ring was from Hungary - near the Danube River. There were several (perhaps, more) Roman towns, cities in that region at one time, and there are various signs/ruins/archaelogical signs of former Roman life.
Mary
Yup, the Danube (along with the Rhine) was one of the major Eastern European frontiers under the Empire.
Do you know of any books on Roman jewelry - from 1st to 5th centuies - relatively recent books?
Thanks.
Sorry, it isn't really my field. You might try this forum:
It's basically Roman Army stuff, but they've got a Civilian section and the folks there are very knowledgeable.
The History message boards are now closed. They remain visible as a matter of record but the opportunity to add new comments or open new threads is no longer available. Thank you all for your valued contributions over many years.
or Β to take part in a discussion.
The message board is currently closed for posting.
The message board is closed for posting.
This messageboard is .
Find out more about this board's
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Β© 2014 The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.