Antique French Coat of Arms Lapis Lazuli Intaglio Signet Ring Victorian

Rare Antique Late 18th Century Garnet Intaglio Signet Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds This fantastic signet ring dates to around 1780 and was made in Paris. A closed-back and bezel set ...

A very unusual antique gold ring set with a carved brown and white hardstone cameo depicting the theatrical comic mask of Silenus, the Greek mythological old rustic god of wine-making and drunkenness. The ring was made in the late 19th century and carries French control marks for 18K gold, whilst the cameo is probably Italian and made slightly earlier, circa 1800. Silenus was a companion to the wine god Dionysus, and suitably he was a notorious consumer of wine, usually drunk and supported by satyrs or carried by a donkey. Silenus was described as the oldest, wisest and most drunken of the followers of Dionysus, and was said to possess special knowledge and the power of prophecy when intoxicated. He presides over the other satyrs and is related to musical creativity, prophetic ecstasy, drunken joy and drunken dances. Silenus was usually depicted as a jovial old man, bald yet bearded, with a pot-belly, thick lips and snub-nose. The masks worn to play him in theatre really emphasised these features, as you can see with this cameo carving Theatre was a key part of ancient Greek culture. The theatrical masks worn by the actors, known as ‘prosopon’, served various purposes. They enabled individual actors to play multiple roles (or genders) in the same performance; the exaggerated expressions helped define the character being portrayed; they helped spectators in the back rows to tell the characters apart. This particular masked as mentioned before is a comedic Silenus, please see final photo for other examples of Silenus masks in museum collections. UK size N 1/2, US size 7 4.84g 18K gold French ‘tête...

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...

A superb ancient Roman nicolo intaglio set in a late 18th century gold signet ring. Nicolo intaglios are a particular type of intaglio ma...

This exquisite intaglio is masterfully engraved onto rich lapis lazuli gemstone and features the Ancient Greek statesman and orator, Demosthenes. The stone is set in an 18K gold signet ring. Demosthenes led Athens in the effort to oppose the influence of Philip of Macedon. His speeches and leadership rallied the Athenians to defend their freedom and culture. To this day he is regarded as one of the most distinguished thinkers and speakers of his era. Production time for this piece is 12-14 weeks Can be made in any size ranging from 6-12. Chavdar Chushev...

Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Carnelian Cut: Intaglio Color: Orangey Red Style: Signet...

Exuding timeless elegance, this striking ring features a rectangular Carnelian intricately carved with a rare double head. The stone is set in a warm, gold-toned band adorned with de...

Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. A sublime antique men's signet ring adorned with flat, matte, close-set lapis lazuli. On either side, the start of the ring is ador...