143 ROMAN GOLD FINGER RING WITH A CARNELIAN INTAGLIO OF A CHICK facing left; probably a love token. 2nd-3rd Century AD. Circum. 2 in. (51 mm.); wt. 2.6 gr.; size 5. Ex D.T. collection, South Germany, since 1996. 144 ROMAN GOLD FINGER RING WITH A CARNELIAN INTAGLIO OF ATHENA standing draped, looking to right, wearing a Corinthian helmet, and supporting a large shield and spear with her right hand and holding a phiale in her left. 2nd-3rd Century AD. Circum. 1 7/8 in. (47 mm.); Wt. 4.1 gr.; size 5. Ex D.T. collection, South Germany, since 1996. 145 ROMAN GOLD WEDDING RING In relief a couple stand clasping hands, dextrarum iunctio, within a raised bezel. 2nd-3rd Century AD. Circum. 2 in. (50 mm); wt. 4.14 gr.; size 8. Ex French private collection, acquired in the 1980s. 146 ROMAN GOLD WEDDING RING cast with a pair of hands in high relief clasped dextrarum iunctio. 2nd-3rd Century AD. Circumference ca. 2 in. (49-50 mm ); wt. 7 gr.; size 6.5. Ex private collection, ca. 1980. In Greek as dexiosis and in Latin as dextrarum iunctio, meaning "giving, joining of right hands." The clasping of the right hand was a solemn gesture of the mutual fidelity, loyalty, and harmony demanded in the longest-lasting and most intimate human relationship, marriage.
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