ROMAN KEY RING, 1st-3rd CENTURY AD, SIZE 7

Bronze, oval form, 7.4mm width low rounded band and large raised rectangular projection, angularly keyed to allow operation of a lock mechanism. Small, size 7 for a woman’s finger. 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. Stable excavated condition.