Roman "Spartan" Intaglio Signet Ring
By the time Rome became the dominant force in the ancient Mediterranean, Sparta, the once-powerful Greek city state, had faded to irrelevance due to a combination of factors: its strong social conservatism that meant Sparta was unable to change, politically or culturally, in any significant way; perceived as barbaric, it became widely hated by the rest of Greece; mobilisation of pretty much the entire male population in times of war; repeated slave rebellions; etc. But the Romans loved Sparta, essentially turning it into a tourist destination; an ancient theme park commemorating Sparta's glory days centuries before. After all, the legendary, militaristic Spartan values - bravery, strength and discipline - resonated deeply with Rome's own. And is there an interesting parallel here between this Roman Sparta Land, and Rome itself today where tourists flock to the sites and monuments of an ancient civilisation?
This carnelian intaglio dates from imperial Rome, and it depicts a Greek warrior, a bare-chested Spartan, naked but for his crested helmet, his shield and his sword. Possibly a souvenir picked up by a Roman tourist on holiday in Greece. It's mounted in a heavy, 18 carat gold Victorian signet ring that's weighty and substantial on the finger. Indeed, it has been so loved over the past 140ish years that the original shank has been replaced, presumably worn right through (and I can relate, I've had this on every day since we sourced it).
Era: Ring is Victorian, circa 1880. Intaglio is Roman, circa 2nd Century AD
Ring size: U 1/2 or 10.25 US. Resizeable for £55
Head size: 18.4mm by 15.5mm
Stone: Carnelian Agate
Marks: None. Head tested as 18ct gold, shank tested as 9ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition. A few small chips/nibbles around the edge of the stone. Excellent gold patina. Shank has been replaced
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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
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
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
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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, 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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alex@lostowl.jewelry
An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 2-3 weeks to shipping times
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