Finds tray – Roman finger ring

This Roman finger ring with an engraved intaglio was discovered by a metal-detectorist near Chelmsford in Essex and was recently declared treasure. This style of intaglio is known as a Henig Type II and dates to c.AD 125-175. The band of the ring is made of silver and is unadorned. It is relatively narrow at the base but widens around the intaglio setting. The gem is slightly raised so that it could function as a seal for signing documents. Although it appears black, it is in fact a dark orange-red colour that has been saturated, possibly indicating it is a carnelian. The figure carved into the gem is that of Apollo, shown facing right with a laurel branch in his left hand and quiver