Archeological Revival Mars Intaglio Ring
Cool antique signet ring in the archeological revivalist style. The head, with clean and simple embellishment around the border, is set with a square hematite panel intaglio carved to depict Mars, the Roman god of war. Built in rich 18 carat with with a brushed, almost matte finish, the design dis directly inspired jewellery found in archaeological excavations across various ancient Mediterranean sites. From the late 18th century jewellers capitalised on a surging interest in all things ancient, with various ancient revivalist movements sweeping through the decorative arts right through until the 1920s. This ring was made during the mid Victorian period, circa 1860.
Mars, the Roman equivalent to Ares, held a critical position within the Roman pantheon. Whereas the Greeks saw Ares as undignified - primarily a destructive and destabilising force to the extent that he was often treated with revulsion and contempt - Mars was accepted by the Romans as the father (pater) of their People, representing military power as a means to secure peace in Rome and, ultimately, prosperity.
March was first month in the earliest Roman calendar, meaning that he was born with the new year, and the month that most military campaigning began (of course, it remains named after him to this day). Another essential characteristic of Mars was Virility (vis, life force), or virtue (virtus), linked with his role as an agricultural guardian. He was seen to ward off the hostile forces of nature to create the favourable conditions required for crops to grow. He was called on to ward of "rust" referring to both the red fungus that could ruin a wheat crop, and the iron oxide affecting metal weapons. The wild animals most sacred to Mars were the woodpecker, the wolf, and the bear. Most of his festivities were held in March, at the beginning of the Roman year and the military campaigning season, and October when the harvest brought in the crops.
Era: Victorian, circa 1860
Head: 2.2cm by 1.6cm
Ring size:
Stone: Hematite panel
Marks: None, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Good antique condition, some light wear to the stone consistent with age and use
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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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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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