Romano-British, 4th/ 5th century

with an old paper label inscribed in ink with a description of the ring and its provenance by Sir William Tite's great nephew, dated: Feb. 26. 1918

Discovered during excavations for the Royal Exchange, London, circa 1850;
Sir William Tite MP FSA (1798-1873);
and thence by descent

London, The Archaeological Institute, 1862

W. Jones, Finger Ring Lore: Historical, Legendary and Anecdotal, London, 1899, p. 41 (illustrated);
Proceedings of the Archaeological Institute, London, 1862, p. 172 (illustrated)

Given the antiquity of the ring, overall its condition is broadly good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. Two stones are lost. There are small nicks and scratches to the gold throughout, and abrasions to the stones, particularly the square-shaped emerald.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This beautiful finger ring finds a strong comparison in an example from the Romano-British Thetford hoard, discovered near Thetford in Norfolk in 1979 (inv. no. 1981,0201.12). Like the present ring, it would once have been completely adorned with gems, in a style that is typical of 4th-century AD Roman rings.

A particularly good comparison for the ring is found in another ring in the British Museum, catalogued as Roman, 4th century (inv. no. GR1917,0501.858). Note the similar arrangement of different coloured stones in individual cells. According to Jeffrey Spier, this style of ring became popular in the 3rd century CE and remained so into the 7th century. Another similar ring is published by Spier (op. cit., pp. 62-65, no. 7).

Sir William Tite was one of Britain's most prominent 19th-century architects, rising to become President of the Royal Institute of British Architects. He is best known as the architect of the Royal Exchange in London, during the excavations for which the present ring was discovered. Tite clearly kept the ring as a memento. Tite was also responsible for designing many of Britain's railway staions, including Exeter station.

RELATED LITERATURE

J. Spier (ed.), Byzantium and the West: Jewelry in the First Millenium, exh. cat. Les Enluminures, New York, Paris, Chicago and New York, 2012, pp. 62-65, no. 7