DIONYSUS and APOLLO Genuine Roman Carnelian Intaglio 1st-2nd Cent. AD 22 Kt Gold Ring

This ring, handcrafted by our goldsmiths in 22 kt gold, features an authentic carnelian stone from the 1st-2nd century AD, depicting two male figures: Dionysus on the left and Apollo on the right.
In his right hand, Dionysus holds a thyrsus with a pine cone at the top (a symbol of fertility, vitality, and regeneration), a classic attribute of the god; in his other hand, a cup (kantharos), typical of the god of wine and mysteries. In his right hand, Apollo holds a lyre, with a drapery underneath
(a "himation" - a light cloak) draped over his arm. In his left hand, he holds a cup (a rarer element, reminiscent of the symposium and symbolically linking him to Dionysus). In Greek and later Roman culture, Apollo and Dionysus represent two opposing yet complementary forces:
Apollo = harmony, moderation, music, rationality, light.
Dionysus = ecstasy, intoxication, wine, irrationality, darkness, and mystery.Their relationship was seen as a cosmic balance: neither can exist without the other. In the context of the symposium (a convivial banquet with wine and music), the two gods meet: Dionysus provides the wine and the intoxication.
Apollo provides the music and harmony with the lyre.
For this reason, in some depictions, Apollo may be shown holding a cup, precisely to emphasize this complementarity: he is not only the god of moderation, but also the one who "ennobles" and harmonizes the symposium.
The scene is not a simple "representation of the gods," but a symbolic manifesto: a balance between moderation and pleasure, between light and shadow, between rationality and passion.

Our jewelry store, Serra Roma, proudly presents an exquisite collection that beautifully honors the ancient traditions of Greek and Roman civilizations. Each piece in our collection, including authentic ancient Roman and Greek coins and intaglios, is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, providing proof of its historical significance and origin.