Neoclassical Zeus Cameo Ring
Zeus was the third son and sixth and final child born to the Titans Cronus and Rhea. After castrating his father, Uranus, Cronus became the supreme ruler of the cosmos. Cronus had received a terrifying prophecy from his parents (Gaia and Uranus) that suggested one of his children would eventually usurp him, as he had his own father, so as each child was in turn born, Cronus ate them whole. Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, and Poseidon all ended up in the belly of their father causing their mother Rhea "unceasing grief". While carrying her sixth child, Zeus, she concocted a plan with the help of her parents (also Gaia and Uranus). They decided she would travel to Lyctus in Crete where she would give birth to Zeus before handing him over to Gaia, who would raise him in a cave on Mount Aegaeon. Rhea then gives to Cronus, in the place of a child, a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes which he promptly swallows, unaware that it isn't his third son. Zeus grows up swiftly, and on his reaching manhood (probably at like 14) "by the stratagems of Gaia, but also by the skills and strength of Zeus" Cronus is forced to vomit up the stone and the five siblings (in reverse order). He then goes on to free the Cyclopes who gifts him his thunderbolt as a token of gratitude, before beginning the Titanomachy, whereby the Olympian gods, led by Zeus, overthrow the Titans to assume ultimate control of the cosmos - with Zeus claiming the throne. This was, naturally, just the beginning of what was to be a long and eventful reign... His symbol was the eagle, representing power and majesty, and his sacred tree was the oak, through which he was said to manifest: when the oak leaves rustled, Zeus was speaking. His Roman equivalent was Jupiter, who also reigned supreme over their pantheon.
This remarkable Victorian signet ring is set with a cameo carving of Zeus, god of the sky and thunder, and king of the ancient Greek pantheon. The Olympian's face takes up the whole of the deep red cushion-shaped carnelian agate hardstone, with wild beard, stern gaze, and three-pronged crown atop his long, wavy locks. He's mounted in a bezel setting, the ring crafted in 18ct gold throughout and dating from the latter half of the 19th century, circa 1880.
Era: Victorian circa 1880
Ring size: 9.5 US or S 1/2 UK/AUS. Resizable for £35
Head size: 15.0mm by 11.7mm
Stone: Carnelian Agate
Marks: None, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition. Light wear consistent with age.
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
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
£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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