19th century amethyst intaglio ring in 10KT rose gold, the oval amethyst engraved with Helios, the sun god, driving a four horse chariot.
Helios rides facing forward with a radiate crown, one arm raised and the other holding a torch, while two horses rear away on each side. The subject comes from classical gems and coins and was much copied in the 19th century, when Grand Tour taste brought ancient iconography back into jewellery.
The deep purple stone sits in a stepped rubbed over bezel. The shoulders are cast and chased with grotesque masks among acanthus scrolls, a different face on each side, and the back of the bezel is closed.
Dimensions -
Head: 3 x 2.8 x 2 cm
Size: UK U / US 10¼ / EU 63
Weight: 20 grams
Specifications -
Period: 19th century, 1890s
Metal: 10KT rose gold, X-ray tested
Subject: Helios (Sol) in a quadriga
Shoulders: Cast and chased grotesque masks with acanthus
Setting: Stepped rubbed over bezel, closed back
Amethyst -
Cut: Oval intaglio
Colour: Deep purple
Number: 1
Condition :
Good antique condition. Scratches to the polished field of the intaglio and light wear to the masks. A slight two tone patina inside the back plate.
19th century amethyst intaglio ring in 10KT rose gold, the oval amethyst engraved with Helios, the sun god, driving a four horse chariot.
Helios rides facing forward with a radiate crown, one arm raised and the other holding a torch, while two horses rear away on each side. The subject comes from classical gems and coins and was much copied in the 19th century, when Grand Tour taste brought ancient iconography back into jewellery.
The deep purple stone sits in a stepped rubbed over bezel. The shoulders are cast and chased with grotesque masks among acanthus scrolls, a different face on each side, and the back of the bezel is closed.
Dimensions -
Head: 3 x 2.8 x 2 cm
Size: UK U / US 10¼ / EU 63
Weight: 20 grams
Specifications -
Period: 19th century, 1890s
Metal: 10KT rose gold, X-ray tested
Subject: Helios (Sol) in a quadriga
Shoulders: Cast and chased grotesque masks with acanthus
Setting: Stepped rubbed over bezel, closed back
Amethyst -
Cut: Oval intaglio
Colour: Deep purple
Number: 1
Condition :
Good antique condition. Scratches to the polished field of the intaglio and light wear to the masks. A slight two tone patina inside the back plate.
