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Cameo Gem with Minerva set into a Hollow Ring (3/4 from below at front)

Unknown

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

A bust of Minerva (Greek: Athena) has been set into the bezel of this hollow gold ring. She wears a snake-edged aegis and a Corinthian helmet in her role as warrior goddess. Similar in function to an amulet, a ring with a portrait of a divinity brought the wearer under the deity's protection. Minerva, who was very popular as a motif on such rings, was often a protectress of heroes such as Herakles or Theseus. She was also connected with skilled crafts and healing. Although the stone of this cameo is chalcedony, it looks very like emerald, a stone particularly prized by the Romans. The extremely high relief carving of this gem is unusual for a ring.

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  • Title: Cameo Gem with Minerva set into a Hollow Ring (3/4 from below at front)
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: 1st century A.D.
  • Physical Dimensions: 1.8 × 1.1 × 1.3 cm (3/4 × 7/16 × 1/2 in.)
  • Type: Gem
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Gem: chrome chalcedony; ring: gold
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 88.AN.13
  • Culture: Roman
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California
  • Creator Display Name: Unknown
  • Classification: Jewelry
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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