INTAGLIO 1920 Art-Deco Signet Ring In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold With Carved Agate

An antique intaglio signet ring.

This is a fabulous antique intaglio signet-ring created in America during the art-deco period, between the 1915 and 1920. The ring has been masterfully crafted with geometric patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and decorated with engraved, chiseled and polished finishes. It is mounted on top in a bezel setting with a gorgeous Italian ancient intaglio from an earlier period, most probably late 18th or early 19th century. The intaglio is carved in low relief in orangish translucent agate depicting the bust portrait in profile of Dionysus facing to the left. The intaglio is gorgeously carved and highly detailed. Dionysus was the Greek god of wine, fertility, theater, and ecstatic joy, often associated with both the exhilaration and the madness of intoxication. He was also known for his dual nature, bringing both joy and brutal rage, and was a patron of the arts.

An Intaglio Seal

This is an engraved gem, frequently is a small and usually semi-precious gemstone that has been carved, in the Western tradition normally with images or inscriptions only on one face. The engraving of gemstones was a major luxury art form in the ancient world, and an important one in some later periods. Strictly speaking, engraving means carving in intaglio (with the design cut into the flat background of the stone), but relief carvings (with the design projecting out of the background as in nearly all cameos) are also covered by the term. This article uses cameo in its strict sense, to denote a carving exploiting layer of differently colored stone. The activity is also called gem carving and the artists gem-cutters. References to antique gems and intaglios in a jewelry context will almost always mean carved gems; when referring to monumental sculpture, counter-relief, meaning the same as intaglio, is more likely to be used. Vessels like the Cup of the Ptolemies and heads or figures carved in the round are also known as hardstone carvings.

Country: American

Period: Art-Deco, 1915-1920.

Weight: 14.95 Grams, (9.60 Dwt).

Size: 7 and may be easily resized up or down on special request.

Measurements: 23 mm by 22 mm (0.91 x 0.87 Inches) and raise 5 mm over the finger.

Hallmarks: Stamped with the mark for the assay and warranty of the 18 karats yellow gold and electronically tested for 18kt gold, with results as follow, .750/.999 Au.

Collateral: This antique intaglio ring is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this antique intaglio ring is excellent. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The carved agate is secured in their settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: R041525MENS/.3593