ROMAN KEY RING, 1st-3rd CENTURY AD, SIZE 9 ½

Bronze with deeply rounded face and large raised rectangular projection, angularly keyed to allow operation of a lock mechanism. These rings were made to operate the locks on jewelry boxes and wearing such rings was a status symbol, implying that the wearer owned such a box. Accordingly, some were made and worn, when no jewelry box existed. Surface textured from burial. Professionally refurbished with the 24karat gold surface restored.