Angelic Antique Romanesque Carnelian Intaglio Ring

A unique and most unusual antique Roman styled intaglio ring beautifully mounted with fine Diamond set shoulders to create a most diverting and interesting dress ring. 

Glyptic art has been admired since the height of the Roman Empire, enjoying notable revivals during the Renaissance and Georgian periods. The intaglio tradition, treasured by aristocratic collectors, became an essential part of the ‘Grand Tour,’ with ancient pieces like this often set into jewellery during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. For context, similar examples can be found in the collections of the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Ravensbury Antiques

Many Roman intaglios which have been found portray immortal beings, and this example follows that pattern, showing a winged deity or 'Victory' blowing a tuba and is a classical glyptic motif. These carved gemstones—crafted from materials like carnelian, garnet, or coloured glass paste—typically featured a winged figure standing or floating while playing the straight Roman military trumpet.

We believe this ring was crafted in the US as it shows both marks inside the band and design elements in the shoulder setting which would point to this. It was likely a custom piece, mounting the precious hand carved Carnelian in a most beautiful setting with winged shoulders in the Art Nouveau style, these sparkled with hand engraving and small Diamonds. All in all a very special piece for the lover of history and Classicism; to be worn to the library and to signal your interests in company. This piece shows barely any wear and so was perhaps treasured as a symbolic artifact rather than an everyday jewel. 

See a very similar intaglio stone here. 

Stones: natural Carnelian and Diamonds, both hand cut. 

Metal: 18ct yellow Gold to the band and Platinum to the setting. Marked '18K' inside the band denoting a US origin. 

Ring Size: N or 6.5 as is but suitable to alter for fit. This is a free service, just leave a message on your order form.

Measurements: the Carnelian measures 18.6mm by 10.9mm.

In most cases the boxes are for display only but a nice quality modern reproduction box will accompany this piece.