Ravensbury Antiques

This stunning Edwardian toi et moi ring, crafted in France during the Belle Époque era, beautifully symbolises enduring love. Designed in 18K yellow gold with platinum, the ring feat...

A scarce late 19th century gold ‘priest’s ring’ from the island of Bali, Indonesia. The ring is a fantastic example of the southern Balinese style, where ...

A striking gold ring, dating from the early 20th century. The figural shoulders are adorned with angelic putti motifs, delicately sculpted to depict Eros, the Greek God of love and d...

This exceptional, rare cross pendant dates from circa 1650, crafted in either Spain or France. Made from pure rock crystal, the pendant showcases the gemstone's unrivalled clarity, r...

This rare and enchanting early Georgian 'Crowned Heart' ring dates back to circa 1740, a stunning precursor to the modern engagement ring. Such rings were gifted as tokens of love an...

A superb example of early 20th-century French jewellery, this Art Deco period ring truly embodies the elegance and subtle symbolism of the jewels from this era. Crafted in platinum t...

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...

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 vintage mid-century gold bracelet set with magnificent aquamarine, circa 1940. The bracelet weighs an impressive 30 grams, and its crafted in solid 18K gold. The entire exterior o...

A superb antique 19th century gold opal and diamond bracelet, circa 1880. This large and magnificent bracelet was made in either France or England and it weighs an impressive 27 gra...

This exquisite Elizabethan gold ring dates to the mid-16th century (c.1570) and features a circular bezel set with a high-relief cameo of Cupid, delicately carved in white chalcedony...

This remarkable Victorian diamond bangle was crafted in the city of Gouda, Netherlands, around 1870. It features 33 rose-cut diamonds, carefully set in closed-back foiled settings, a...