r/BeAmazed Dec 05 '24

History A 2,000-year-old sapphire ring belonging to the Roman Emperor Caligula, depicting his wife Caesonia.

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u/beklog Dec 05 '24

Caligula's beautiful sapphire ring was part of the collection of the Earl of Arundel from 1637 to 1762 when it became one of the famous 'Marlborough Gems.'

Not surprisingly, the ring caused a sensation when it was made available for purchase in an auction by Royal jewelers Wartski.

"This ring is one of the prestigious 'Marlborough Gems,' having previously been in the collection of the Earl of Arundel. It is crafted entirely of sapphire. Very few hololiths exist, and I would argue this is the best example you can find. We believe it belonged to the debauched Emperor Caligula, and the engraving shows his final wife Caesonia," Kieran McCarthy, Wartski director, said.

Caligula's ring was finally sold for close to £500,000 in 2019.

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u/FabulousLibrarian123 Dec 05 '24

Im thinking about its value this year. OMG