-Bvlgari Roman 1970 Intaglio Signet Ring In 20Kt And 18Kt Gold With Ancient Carved Amethyst

Intaglio signet ring designed by Bvlgari.

Gorgeous signet ring, created in Roma Italy by the jewelry house of Bvlgari, back in the 1970. This rare vintage ring was carefully crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with a bezel on top in 20 karats. The surfaces are finished with a delicate fine brushed patterns and the upper bezel is shiny polished. The design is made up with an unusual form inspired in the shape of ancient Roman signet rings.

Giorgio and Constantino Bvlgari as well as their father Sotirio, were great collectors of antiques, coins, ancient artifacts and intaglios. Also Nicola Bulgari, grandson of the founder of the firm, who developed the interest in coin collecting, can be credited as the main “influencers” who was responsible for the launch of Bulgari’s modern tradition of mounting ancient coins and intaglios in the mid-1960s. Between the years 1960 and 1970 they created the famous Moneta collection and Roma Antica, based on the use of ancient Roman coins and Greek coins, mainly those used in Italian territory. The use of ancient Greek and Roman coins also forged a firm connection with Bulgari’s proud Hellenic and Roman cultural heritage. In turn, and on very rare occasions, they used ancient intaglios from their own collection to create exceptional custom made pieces of jewelry such as this rare ring.

Gemstones: Mounted on top, in a 20 kts bezel setting with an ancient Roman Empire gem-intaglio from, circa 100 AD. The intaglio depict the figure of a horse running to the left, carve in low relief on an oval double cabochon from natural purplish amethyst, with an approximate weight of 4.5 carats.

Weight: 16.4 Grams, (10.51 Dwt).

Size: 6.5 and is  sizeable.

Measurements: From the top view 12 mm by 24 mm (0.47 x 0.95 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the Italian gold assay mark for .750/.999 and .850/.999 and signed in full, "BVLGARI 18KT 850 MADE IN ITALY ".

Bvlgari, was founded in the late 19th century by Sotirio Bulgari, who was born in 1857 in Greece and was descended from a talented family of silversmiths. In 1884 he opened his first shop in Rome on the Via Sistina, and then in 1905 he moved to the actual flag's store in Via dei Condotti. Upon Sotirio’s death in 1932 his sons, Giorgio and Costantino, took over the business. They are credited with creating the highly distinctive ‘Bvlgari’ style, inspired by Greek and Roman classicism revival, the Italian Renaissance, and the 19th century Roman school of goldsmiths. The 1970s marked the beginning of Bulgari’s international expansion with the opening of stores in New York (the first overseas), Paris, Geneva and Monte Carlo.

Intaglio 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 layers of differently coloured stone. The activity is also called gem carving and the artists gem-cutters. References to antique gems and intaglios in a jewellery 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.

Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

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

INVENTORY REF: R091222ACEM/.3942