Antique Georgian Hardstone Cameo Signet Ring, Greek Philosopher, 9ct Rose Gold

A beautiful example of a red sardonyx Monogram signet ring. The monogram is made up of the letters G R L. The red Sardonyx stone consist of two different coloured strata the top white layer is engraved to reveal the colour underneath. The ring features beautifully chased shoulders giving the effect of scales to the sides of the ring. A good heavy signet...

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 Georgian hardstone cameo ring, the oval-shaped cameo depicting the profile of a patrician, rub-over set within a yellow gold mount with ridged d...

Seldom encountered hardstone cameos require more time & skill to be carved, hence they are more valuable (than their shell counterparts), highly desirable & sought after. ~ This...

This signet ring has a plain face which could be engraved or kept clean. Modelled in 9carat gold. Ring Size: S or 9 1/4 Face Dimensions: 14x10mm Weight: 2.5g

Vintage Signet Ring 9ct Gold Hallmarked London 1987 Lovely, gold double square signet ring. Weight 6.3g Face of the ring measures approx height 10.8mm & width 13.5mm UK Siz...

Signet Topaz British Ring 9Ct Gold. Created around 1890. Huge and fine Antique English topaz signet ring. The top of the Signet has the moto: “Donec Devs Dat Dono” The motto could ...