A Brief History of Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron Roman Rings
In the Roman period the wearing of jewellery was a significant feature in class distinction, and was also regarded as an indication of rank. In the early years of the Roman Empire severe restrictions were placed on the wearing of gold rings . Gold rings were only worn on special occasions and by people in high office. Up until the end of the 1st Century AD, Iron was the metal employed for everyday use. Bronze was at first not popular instead metals such as iron and silver were used to make items such as large iron and silver seal rings which were worn by men.
The most prolific rings however used throughout the Roman occupation of Britain were infact silver rings or bronze rings. Most gold rings found on these shores however date from the 3rd -4th Century AD, when no restrictions were placed on their use. It was not until 197 AD, that the Emperor Septimus Severus granted permission for all soldiers to wear a gold ring. It is also possible that some civic or Military awards would have included the presentation of a large gold ring, with a gold coin mounted in the bezel.
Contemporary accounts tell us that in the late 3rd Century AD wealthy Roman citizens wore an abundance of Jewellery, with up to six rings worn on every finger. |
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