Ancient Carnelian Intaglio of Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory

A scarce ancient Roman intaglio dating from the 1st to 2nd century AD, depicting Victoria, the Roman Goddess of Victory (also known as Nike in Greek mythology). The cabochon gemstone is a chromium chalcedony, mottled green in colour. It was known in the ancient world as a ‘plasma’ stone and was widely used in jewellery and seals throughout the Roman Empire. However the mineral disappeared from use in the ancient world towards the end of the 2nd century AD when the known deposits were mined out. The intricate ancient engraving depicts a winged Victoria, draped and facing left, holding a palm branch in her right hand and a laurel leaf in her left. The green gem is translucent and contains small dotted black natural inclusions. The gemstone’s viridian green tones were linked to nature, growth, and prosperity, reflecting the Romans' appreciation for abundance and fertility. Victoria played a major part of Roman society, with many temples erected in her honour including one on the Palatine Hill which would house the spoils of war from Roman victories. She was, to the Romans, a symbol of victory over death, ultimately determining who would be successful during war. The high number of artistic and architectural dedications to her bear witness to the popularity of the goddess’ cult: Victoria widely appears on Roman coins...

Early carnelian intaglio depicts Jupiter seated holding Victory Measurements: 16mm north to south, intaglio 12 x 9mm Weight: 5.6 grams Size: 8 3/4

We are proud to show this circular hoop of 22 Kt gold, with coiling around the shoulders, sets an oval shaped intaglio"dextrarum lunctio" on the carnelian. This translates to clasped...

Ancient Roman intaglio Victory ring. Set to centre with an oval cornelian intaglio in a closed back Roman set setting depicting the full length figure of ...

Oval bezel set with a orange coloured agate intaglio (13.7 x 11.6 mm) carved with a profile of Roman goddess Salus. Bezel 1.5 x 1.3 cm. Ring size 59. Weight 4.43 g. Salus (Latin: sa...

The 7th century Roman intaglio is set into the Castellani® Artemis designed ring. The intaglio is set under the bezel, as jewellers did intaglio and cameo rings 2000 years ago. The g...