Antique, Georgian neo-clasical agate cameo ring

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Provenance Dating to c.1810, this handsome Georgian cameo ring is a beautifully preserved example of the period’s fascination with the art and imagery of Classical antiquity. At it s centre sits a finely carved hardstone cameo depicting the profile of a male figure crowned with a laurel wreath, a motif strongly evocative of the heroes, rulers and deities of ancient Greece and Rome. The Neoclassical style flourished throughout the Georgian period, influencing everything from architecture and interiors to dress and jewellery. Corinthian columns, classically inspired frescoes, sculptural forms and ancient motifs became fashionable as renewed interest in Greece and Rome swept through Europe. Jewellery offered a particularly intimate expression of this taste, with cameos prized for their ability to evoke the engraved gems and miniature works of art of the ancient world. The cameo is secured within a substantial rub-over setting, which gives the ring a pleasing sense of depth and beautifully frames the carved profile. From the setting extend elegant tri-split openwork shoulders, creating a lightness and refinement that contrasts with the solidity of the central cameo. These taper gracefully into a smooth D-shaped shank. The unusually small size of the ring is particularly charming. It may originally have been intended for wear on the little finger, or perhaps was made for a young boy, for whom a classically inspired signet-style ring would have been both fashionable and appropriate. More than two centuries later, it remains a wonderfully characterful survival of Georgian Neoclassical taste. The Natural Stones Agate: Natural polycrystalline quartz, v. agate. The Band Metal Composition: 18ct yellow gold. The Ring Overall Front Head Dimensions: Length 20.5mm; Width 16.5mm Height of Setting: 10mm General Wear & Condition Excellent: all stones are secure and well set, with no damage to the mount. Professionally polished and carefully inspected by our workshop, ready to wear and enjoy. Unless stated otherwise, gem weights and specifications are estimated (assessed in mount). Show more