Antique Georgian Noble Irish 'Cole' Family Coat of Arms Signet Ring Earl's Ring

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 fantastic French 19th century Neorenaissance silver intaglio ring, in the manner of Jules Wièse and Froment-Meurice, circa 1840. The milky blue ...

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 traditional antique Portuguese steel and gold signet ring, dating from the early 20th century, circa 1900. The ring shows a coat of arms which has been engraved onto an oval stee...

Vintage signet ring set in 18ct gold with engraved the coat of arms of the San Marino Republic. Highlights: - 18ct gold - Vintage Measurements - Length 1.3 cm x width 1.9 cm - Weig...

Size: 8 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $100 or Down 2 sizes for $50 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Style: Signet Theme: Crest, Coat of Arms Measurements Face Height (north to sou...

Antique 19th Century 18kt Gold Signet Ring with Coat of Arms This impressive antique signet ring is crafted from rich 18kt yellow gold and dates to the 19th century. Weighing a subs...

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...