Gold Ring with Silver Denarius of Empress Julia Domna

Empress Julia Domna was the second wife of the Roman emperor Septimius Severus (reigned 193- 211) and a powerful figure in the regime of his successor and their son, the emperor Caracalla. Julia was a Syrian (Domna being her Syrian name) and was the daughter of the hereditary high priest Bassianus at Emesa (now Homs) in Syria and elder sister of Julia Maesa. Domna gathered about her in Rome a group of philosophers and other intellectuals whose activities are best known through the writings of Philostratus. After Severus’ death, the murderous rancor of her two sons, the joint emperors Caracalla and Geta, culminated in the assassination of Geta by Caracalla in her presence. When Caracalla (reigned 211-217) was on campaign, he left her in control of most of the civilian administration, demonstrating the significant status of this woman in a society dominated by men.

The splendor of the precious metals is allowed to shine in this ring. The natural hues of the silver and the gold complement each other. In this ring, the present and the past combine. The classic reserved form of the modern ring enhances the timeless beauty and majesty of the ancient coin. To wear this ring is to reconnect with the past while simultaneously exhibiting style and elegance that is contemporary and yet timeless.