3rd century A.D. A finely preserved jasper intaglio representing a dolphin transporting a hare upon a flattened vessel; set into an iron ring with thin ellipsoid hoop rounded on the inside, expanding shoulders. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, items 272-275, for the type. 7.96 grams, 25.40 mm overall, 14.17 x 19.15 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9) (1 in."). Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. The hare was regarded as an animal sacred to Aphrodite and Eros because of its high libido, and live hares were often presented as a gift of love. The dolphin was among the animals sacred to Aphrodite, and the dolphin is carrying a hare as a gift upon a vessel, meaning that this ring was clearly a present for a beloved person.Condition Report: Fine condition.