A NANTWICH auctioneers is set to sell a host of rare Roman antiques later this month.

Peter Wilson will offer the chance to snap up a range of jewellery and ornaments that could fetch thousands of pounds at a sale on September 13 and 14.

Among the items available to buy is a remarkable gold necklace mounted with 27 intaglios – jewels dating back to the first century AD.

A spokesman for Peter Wilson said: “In the Roman Empire every important man wore a carved intaglio ring. It was his ‘badge of office’ and proof of his social standing, used to sign and seal documents.

“When pressed it into hot wax, his preferred family symbol carved into the face of a semi-precious jewel was transferred into the seal to prove its authenticity.

“In the 18th century, intrepid aristocrats making the Grand Tour and bringing home rare Roman antiquities and works of art to decorate their country mansions, would collect the intaglios in much the same way today’s tourists bring home souvenirs.

Individual intaglios now sell for several hundred pounds, and each of the stones is carved by hand with images of gods and goddesses, the heads of rulers, and symbolic talismans. They were collected, even in Roman times – Julius Caesar being among devotees.

The necklace, which is believed to have been brought from Italy, is estimated conservatively at £2,000-2,500 but could fetch more.

Also on offer will be an 18 carat yellow and white gold bracelet, set with 10 luxury gold collector’s charms, a three-stone platinum ring, a white gold pave-set diamond pendant and chain, and an 18ct gold trinket box.

Viewing will take place on Sunday, September 10, before the two-day auction.

For more information call 01270 623878 or email auctions@peterwilson.co.uk