Victorian Paris Cameo Ring
The legend of the Trojan War has remained lodged in our imaginations for thousands of years. The events supposedly unfolded in the mortal realm as a direct result of a quarrel between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite - indeed, the ancients believed the fall of Troy marked the end of the mythical age and the beginning of the historical age, and quite how much truth is contained within the stories has been as source of great debate amongst contemporary historians. The names of the key players - Helen and Paris, Hector and Achilles, Agamemnon and Priam - as well as the key events - launching 1000 ships, the Trojan Horse, the death of Achilles, etc. - remain well known to this day.
Cool antique cameo ring depicting the Paris, prince of Troy and son of Priam and Hecuba, who's elopement with Helen sparked the Trojan War. Paris, also known as Alexandros (Defender, in Greek) is depicted here wearing a Phrygian cap, a type of conical headgear sported - in antiquity - by the inhabitants Anatolia, including the Trojans and the Phrygians (although in more modern times, the cap became associated with liberty and freedom, through the American and French revolutions). A dream regarding his birth was interpreted as an evil portent, so Paris was cast out by his parents as a baby. He was nursed by a bear, and raised as a shepherd (unbeknownst to his parents, who had presumed him dead). Kind Priam, his father, accepted Paris back into the family after he defeated his brothers in a boxing tournament and his true identity was revealed. While still a shepherd, Paris was chosen, by Zeus, to decide which of the three goddesses, Hera, Athena, or Aphrodite, was most beautiful. He rejected bribes from Hera and Athena - kingly power and military might, respectively - before accepting Aphrodite's promise to match him up with the most beautiful moral woman: Helen or Troy. The rest, as they say, is history (or, probably more likely, myth).
The cameo is crafted in silver and the detail is excellent, with Paris rendered in profile looking to the right. It's mounted in a 9ct gold ring with twisted detailing around the band and simple split shoulders.
Era: Victorian, circa 1880
Head size: 1.6cm by 1.4cm
Ring size: R 1/2 or 8.75 US. Resizable for £35
Marks: Stamped 9ct
Condition: Great antique condition. Cameo may pre-date the ring mount by a few decades
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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)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 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, 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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