A Roman glass intaglio in a gold setting, probably from a finger-ring or from a composite piece of jewellery. The oval gold box setting, with separately-formed back sheet and finely-wrought corded flange, is neatly crimped over the sides of the intaglio. At the back there is slight damage at each end of the long axis, presumably relating to its detachment from a finger-ring or other piece of jewellery. The oval flat glass intaglio, with bevelled edge, is dark blue/ black, with a light blue surface layer. The image, cut into, and in places through, this layer, depicts a nude male standing left, his right arm flexed with an object in the hand, the left arm fully extended and slightly to the rear, with objects held in the hand. This is Bonus Eventus, holding a patera in the right hand and corn ears in the left hand, symbols of good fortune and fertility. Comparanda include Henig 2007, nos. 203 - 206, and the twenty-seven Bonus Eventus gems in the Snettisham Jeweller's hoard (C. Johns The Snettisham Roman Jeweller's Hoard, London, 1997, 85-7, nos. 112 - 133 and 96-7, nos. 228-32).

Date: Roman, probably 2nd century AD.

Dimensions: 19.3 x 16.4 x 6.3 mm. Weight: 3.4 g.

Discussion: In age and precious metal content the object qualifies as Treasure under the terms of the 1996 Treasure Act.

Report by: Ralph Jackson Dept. of Prehistory & Europe British Museum 31st August 2011