Few personal possessions have the resonance of finger rings, whether they serve as symbols of marriage, office, status or, in some cases, as token of hidden political or religious beliefs. This attractive volume provides an illustrated catalogue of the rings in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. These rings, which were worn by both men and women and range from the familiar to the bizarre in type, include examples from many different cultures across the centuries, including Egyptian, Minoan, Etruscan, Greek, Roman and, particularly medieval rings. All are illustrated with colour photographs with facing description. An initial discussion explains the terminology of ring studies and outlines changes in type, function and fashion.

Ancient Gems and Finger Rings catalogues the J. Paul Getty Museum's comprehensive and important collection of Greek, Roman, Etruscan, and Near Eastern gems. Most of these objects have never before been published, making this catalogue essential for the scholar. The volume is fully and richly illustrated—each entry includes photographs of the gem and its impression as well as a profile drawing. Where pertinent, bibliographic references and comparative material are cited.

Catalogus van een in 1978 in het Ashmolean museum te Oxford gehouden tentoonstelling