Ancient Nephthys Intaglio Signet Ring
Nephthys was the ancient Egyptian goddess of the night, darkness, mourning, protection, magic, health, childbirth, embalming, the dead, and beer. She was typically portrayed as a young woman wearing a headdress in the shape of a house and basket, often paired with her sister Isis in funerary rites in their roles as protectors of the mummy. As Isis represented the birth experience, Nephthys is a protective goddess who symbolises the death experience.
Nephthys was clearly viewed as a morbid-but-crucial force of heavenly transition, i.e., the pharaoh becomes strong for his journey to the afterlife through the intervention of Isis and Nephthys. The same divine power could be applied later to all of the dead, who were advised to consider Nephthys a necessary companion. According to the Pyramid Texts, Nephthys, along with Isis, was a force before whom demons trembled in fear and whose magical spells were necessary for navigating the various levels of Duat, as the region of the afterlife was termed.*
This signet ring dates from the Victorian period, circa 1860, but the stone with its intaglio depiction of Nephthys is much, much older, dating from the 3rd century AD. The goddess, carved into a pinkish piece of hardstone agate, stands on a crescent moon holding her lotus staff and wearing the house and basket headdress, with an ankh floating alongside.
Era: Intaglio, 3rd Century AD - Ring, Victorian circa 1860
Ring size: N or 6.75 US. Resizeable for £55
Head: 13.1mm by 8.6mm
Stone: Hardstone agate
Marks: None, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Good antique condition; wear consistent with age
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[Last updated: September 15th, 2025]
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.
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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
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