A fine Roman Gold and Sardonyx Cameo Finger Ring, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE

This tiny gold finger ring set with an exquisite sardonyx intaglio engraved with a bird. The artist masterfully carved the stone to highlight the bird, standing but facing behind itself with tail artfully extended, in the reddish-brown top layer of the stone against the white lower layer. Dimensions:  US ring size: 2 3/4 Condition:  The gold ring partially dented, the intaglio in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or breaks. Provenance:  Private Maryland collection of a diplomat, acquired while serving in Egypt between 1949 and 1956, and then by descent.