Georgian Young Hercules Cameo Ring
A remarkable Georgian signet ring set with a hardstone cameo depicting a young Hercules. The Greeks knew Hercules as Herakles and, since he was the greatest of the Greek heroes, we'll use his Greek name from here on out.
Herakles was actually born Alcaeus. He was the greatest of the Greek heroes, with a remarkable lineage that included both sky-father Zeus himself and the hero Perseus. Herakles was also accepted into the Olympian Pantheon as a god during Classical times. Herakles is often depicted with his club and lion pelt, and the stories of his life are still being told to this day (sometimes rather loosely*). The most famous stories are the twelve Labours of Hercules in which our Great Hero uses both brains and brawn to overcome a series of seemingly impossible tasks.
Strength aside, Herakles was an "extremely passionate and emotional individual, capable of doing both great deeds for his friends (such as wrestling with Thanatos on behalf of Prince Admetus, who had regaled Heracles with his hospitality, or restoring his friend Tyndareus to the throne of Sparta after he was overthrown) and being a terrible enemy who would wreak horrible vengeance on those who crossed him, as Augeas, Neleus, and Laomedon all found out to their cost. There was also a coldness to his character, which was demonstrated by Sophocles's depiction of the hero in The Trachiniae." [Source: wikipedia.org]
This antique signet ring is crafted in 18 carat gold with a matte/brushed finish. The stone is expertly carved with superb attention to detail, particularly the short, tight curls of hair and the facial features and that neck (that neck to which the heavens were a small burden). It rests in a simple, Roman style double bezel.
*Disney intended for the film to have an open-air premiere at Pnyx hill, but the Greek government declined after the film received backlash from Greek critics and audiences, and the film would be renamed to "Beyond the Myth of Heracles" in Greece. Greek newspaper Adesmevtos Typos called it "another case of foreigners distorting our history and culture just to suit their commercial interests".
Era: Georgian, circa 1820
Ring size: J 1/2 or 5 US. Resizeable for £55
Head: 3.0cm by 2.0cm
Weight: 15.8 grams
Stone: Hardstone cameo
Marks: None, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Shipments
US Customs now charges a 10% tariff on all UK shipments as they cross the border. We will pay this customs charge on your behalf. Import duties remain 0% on antiques.
[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say :)
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of the page.
info@lostowl.com
An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 3-6 weeks to shipping times Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
*the shopping cart, not checkout