Small Ancient Roman Medusa Carved Cameo Gold Ring 2nd Century Gem Carving

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 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...

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 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...

Roman Empire, 2nd – 3rd century A.D. This massive solid gold ring with broad shoulders is of a very fine workmanship. The ring is crafted in high karat gold (about 24K). It is centered with a conical banded three layer agate superbly carved with a cameo of a goddess (likely Minerva, the goddess of wisdom). Her hair is elaborately styled and adorned with a double stephane (tiara). For a closely related roman agate...

A finely crafted 18kt yellow gold ring featuring an intricately carved white cameo depicting a classical profile. The cameo is framed with a delicate gold beaded border, enhancing it...

Period: Late 19th century Provenance: Italy Ring size: 4 1/4  Weight: 11.9 gr L’anello del XIX secolo è composto da un’essenziale montatura in argento, impreziosita da un medaglione ...

Vintage from the 1900s Size: 7 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Coral Gem color: White Band color: Gold Style: Victorian Precious petite Shell cameo ring. Set in European 10k (unmarke...