An amethyst double faced intaglio with a standing cockerel to the right with a palm frond behind and inscribed 'IAW' with a star. The reverse shows an ibis with an inscription above. The subject and inscription suggests that we are dealing with a gnostic gemstone used for amuletic purposes mounted in a 19/20th century ring. Diameter: 15 mm.

Size 7

Weight: 7.67gr

Minima mirabilia, that translated means “tiny wonders”, and that is how Romans used to name the precious stones. These last did not have a value in being decorative objects, but on the contrary, they were valued for their magic powers. Indeed, these stones were used as amulets in order to ward off diseases and bring luck to the owner.