Grand Tour "Days of the Week" Cameos Ring
An astonishing Grand Tour period "Days of the Week" ring set in yellow gold and dating from the early 19th century, circa 1820. Seven cameo busts - carved from coloured Vesuvian lava and coral - are set in simple rub-over settings, each one depicting a classical god or goddess: Venus in white for Friday, Saturn for Saturday, in light olive; Sunday represented by Apollo (aka Sol) carved in coral; Monday is Diana (Luna) in grey; Tuesday is Mars; Wednesday is Mercury; Thursday is Jupiter (black). These rings were made in Naples for the Grand Tourists, the region being known for its long lineage of gemstone carvers.
These seven deities obviously line up better with the modern French/Italian week days, rather than the English names (which borrow from Saxon/pagan traditions). The ancient Romans actually used a nine day week, inherited from the Etruscans, with an additional market day: nundinae. "As Rome expanded, it encountered the seven-day week and for a time attempted to include both. The popularity of the seven-day rhythm won, and the eight-day week disappeared." [Wikipedia]
Era: Georgian, circa 1820
Ring size: K or 5.25. Resize not available
Width: 9.0mm
Stones: Vesuvian Lava & Coral
Marks: None, tests as low carat gold; around the 8/9ct mark
Condition: Good, general wear consistent with age. The black lava cameo is worn down and surface wear to other cameos
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)
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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
A 25% deposit will be 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/scrape are 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.
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An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 2-3 weeks to shipping times
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