A stunning example of Roman Imperial cameo in sardonyx, set in an 18 Karat Gold Ring. Based on the iconographical study of the portrait, this cameo image quite surely portrays one of the women of the Antonine Dynasty, most probably Faustina the Younger (wife of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius), even if some details seem to resamble her daughter Lucilla.

In Ancient Rome, the women of the imperial family were most widely portraied. Their portraits were scattered throughout the empire, as symbols of their high rank and to further the dynastic ambitions of the families in power. Very possibly, this gem was given as a mark of intimate favour from the sitter herself and was cherished my high ranking officials of the Imperial administration. In particular, the reported provenance from Caesarea (Israel) seem to point out to this cameo belonging to an official in the administration of the Roman imperial province of Syria Palaestina, instituted in 132 CE when the province of Judaea was merged with Galilee into an enlarged province.

Annia Galeria Faustina was born about 127 CE, daughter of Emperor Antoninus Pius and Faustina the Elder. Hadiran engaged her to Lucius Verus; but when Pius became Augustus on July 10, 138, he broke off the union and engaged her to Marcus Aurelius. Due to her youthful age, the wedding was postponed several years until 145. Her first of perhaps thirteen children (including future Emperor Commodus) was born in November of 147, when she received the title of Augusta. She accompanied Aurelius on some campaigns and trips, and was with him when she died at Halala in Cappadocia in late 175. She was soon deified, and Halala was re-founded as Faustinopolis.

As we slip it onto our finger today, we are connected directly with the life of the person who first wore this cameo centuries ago.