Graeco-Roman gold ring with an intaglio depicting Socrates. 1st-2nd century AD

Socrates is depicted with his bowl of hemlock, which seems to be very unusual - so far I am unable to find another like it in collections/publications. It is a very nice gem, with "life" in the stone, which I hope you can see in the photographs

The shank is slightly damaged at the bottom but I have decided not to do anything about this so far, so as to not spoil the ring’s integrity, and because it does not prevent the ring being worn.

The ring fits my little finger perfectly, UK size N, US 6 1/2, French size 54, and it weighs 8.6 grams.

£22,000