ANCIENT EGYPT-PERSIA 300 BC Intaglio Seal Ring In 23Kt Gold & Falcon In Faience

An ancient signet intaglio seal-ring.

This is an exceptional and very rare signet seal-ring created during the ancient Egyptian and Persian Empire, circa 300 BC. This rare one-of-a-kind intaglio signet seal-ring, was masterfully crafted in rich yellow gold of 23 karats with four running antelopes and embellished on top with an Egyptian faience seal showing the mythical falcon (Horus). This ring is of utmost importance, due to its size and the extreme quality of its manufacturing. Surely this ring belonged to a nobleman or an extremely rich person. It is truly a miracle that this ring has survived for two-thousand-three-hundred years in the conditions it presents.

The Egyptian Falcon

Egyptian falcon seals are seals that depict the falcon, the sacred animal of the Egyptian sky god Horus. The falcon was a symbol of power and divine kingship for the pharaohs. The falcon was a symbol of the sky god Horus, who protected the people of Egypt from the dark god Set. The living king of Egypt was identified as an earthly Horus, and the king bore a special royal “Horus name”. The ancient Egyptians used a number of terms for seals, including khetem and sedjat.

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.

Weight: 8.95 Grams, (5.74 Dwt).

Size: 8.5 and can be only sized with an adapter to avoid any alteration to the antiquity.

Measurements: 25 mm by 15 mm (0.98 x 0.59 Inches) and raise 6 mm over the finger.

Hallmarks: None, electronically tested for 23 karats gold (.9583/.9999 Au)

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

Condition: The overall condition of this ancient ring is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The faience intaglio seal is secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: R020525AAEM/.2750