16th Century Signet Rings

A 16th century Italian agate intaglio depicting Gaius Mucius Scaevola, the oval shaped agate measuring approximately 1.9 x 1.6cm, depicting Scaevola on a standing position with his r...

Renaissance ring with Roman horse intaglio Ring: Western Europe, c. 1580-90, Roman intaglio: 1st century AD Gold, champlevé enamel, nicolo agate Weight 5.2 gr.; Circumference 57.15 mm.; US size 8; UK size Q In the Renaissance period, ancient cameos and intaglios were highly sought-after collectors’ items. Wealthy owners had them incorporated into signet rings, and in this case, an exceptional and rare ring with sophisticated enameling. The Roman intaglio reflects the spirit of Humanism during the Renaissance, when there was a revived interest in Classical literature and the arts. The horse motif was most likely the personal choice of the wearer or giver of this ring who would have been familiar with its meaning in Classical Antiquity as a symbol of wealth and power. In Ancient Greece images of horses denoted aristocratic status, were symbolic of heroism and the all-important cavalry. A grazing horse as seen here may have represented a favored racehorse. Description: Gold ring with D-section hoop widening towards the oval bezel, plain on the interior and on the exterior the shoulder is decorated in gold against black enamel with symmetrical foliate and floral motifs. The frieze-like decoration continues along the sides of the facetted bezel with dots, dashes and scrollwork, a triangular form with acanthus foliage and fine gold framing line along the base of the bezel with raised mount and fluted collet for a nicolo-agate intaglio. Carved into the bluish grey on brown surface is a grazing horse seen in profile, head bent low. On the underside of the bezel is an elaborate cross motif with scrolls in black enamel against gold. Minor loss of enamel in some areas, through age and wear. The ring is in good wearable condition. Literature: Similar elaborately enameled signet rings set with ancient intaglios or Imperial laureate heads can be found in the British Museum, London (Dalton 1912, no. 308); Tarnóczy Collection; Hanns-Ulrich Haedeke Collection. The highly embellished enameling along the hoop and bezel of this exceptional and rare ring is reminiscent of the ornamental prints...

Centrally set with a plaque with with traces of gilding engraved to depict a monogram surmounted and enclosed by a floral decoration, at the top a dancing figure with a ribbon. Mou...

This unique, museum quality partially gilded silver and niello Renaissance signet ring is probably Italian, circa 1580. The engraved signet conceals a double meaning: a grotesque fac...

Post Medieval signet ring. Composed of an oval plaque featuring a finely engraved image of a thistle with stalk and leaves, the initials 'LI' in engraved...

Cameo depicting Alessandro de' Medici, known as (IL Moro or 'The Moor'), c. 16th - 17th century, in later gold ring mount, cameo 2.0cm high, ring size 7

Renaissance 22 Carat signet ring with a deeply carved intaglio puzzle in the form of a pictogram which uses pictures and letters to spell out words that convey its meaning. The rebu...

Our poesy ring (spelled posy, posie, or posey) has the deep color of a 22carat ring along with a textured pattern and an interesting inscription "Seale up S...