Ancient Intaglio Ruby Gold Ring

Ancient Denarius, Coin of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius, mounted in a 22K hand hammered, hand crafted large and stately gold ring by Fairchild & Co. The authentic Roman Denarius, ...

Diamond and white gold ring possessing 29 fine white brilliant cut diamonds all near colorless (H/I), and slightly included. The diamond weigh of these finely matched stones is .80 ...

Antique filigree diamond 18K white gold ring. The center European cut diamond weighs an estimated .65 cts. It is well cut, near colorless (H/I) and very slightly included (VS). Th...

Antique filigree diamond 18K white gold ring. The center European cut diamond weighs an estimated .65 cts. It is near colorless (H/I) and very slightly included (VS). This fine di...

This scarce gold intaglio ring dates to the Indonesian Classical period, circa 8th–10th century. The ring is crafted from high-karat gold (22K), featuring a circular bezel that holds an amethyst gemstone engraved with a scorpion motif. Scorpions were often considered symbols of protection in ancient traditions, aligning with Javanese beliefs that rings possessed magical properties to bring good fortune and guard against harm. The stirrup-shaped shoulders, designed to mimic the form of water buffalo horns, are a hallmark of early Javanese craftsmanship. This distinctive design reflects both artistic expression and cultural symbolism rooted in Java’s agricultural and spiritual traditions. Java, one of Indonesia’s largest islands, was a significant centre of civilisation and artistry during this period. Gold rings were not merely decorative but also served as currency, payment for fines, dowries, and even wedding feasts. Imported gemstones, like the present amethyst, were chosen for their astrological, magical, and medicinal properties, further enhancing their importance in Javanese society. Referenced Examples: Similar rings can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Accession No. 1998.544.298). Additional examples are catalogued in Java Gold...

18 Karat White Gold Citrine Intaglio/Relief Ring. The ring features an oval 17mm x 12mm light Citrine stone with the image of a Roman female head in r...

Finely worked in high karat gold (22k+) and featuring three rough cut ruby cabochons ranging form light pink to purplish pink, typical of rubies from In...

A superb ancient Roman agate intaglio ring. The high-karat gold signet ring is set with an engraved gemstone, known as an ‘intaglio’. It dates from between the 2nd to 3rd century AD and is a fine example of a Romano-British intaglio. The conical-shaped agate gemstone displays various bands of colour ranging from honey brown to greyish-blue. The engraving depicts the bust of a man wearing a helmet, possibly winged which would depict Mercury, the Roman god of commerce, financial gain and communication. In Roman times, people would wear rings with the intaglio of Mercury in hope that the he would protect them and bless them with good financial fortune in their lives. A number of referenced examples of similar ancient Roman conical shaped intaglios reside in notable museums all across the world, from the British Museum to the Louvre. A page with these examples and their sources can be found in the final photos of the listing. Similar examples can also be found in the extensive Alice and Louis Koch collection (items: 234, 235, 241, 301). Again see final images for reference. The gold ring mount is of D-shaped cross-section and a hollow 22K gold construction. The ring has a fantastic smooth silk-like texture when worn. It remains in good overall condition and the intaglio is very secure in the mount. The gold mount dates to the late 18th to early 19th century, and the shape is inspired by ancient Roman ring...