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
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
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
Parcels going to the United States are currently subject to the Trump administration's 10% "reciprocal tariff". Until August 29th (2025), parcels under $800 remain tariff-free under the de minimis exemption.
We declare our parcels under HTS code 9706 (antique over 100 years old) which reduces import duties to zero. This means the 10% "reciprocal tariff" is all you should be charged by customs*. At this time, you are responsible for any taxes levied at the border.
US customs will require a SS# or business tax ID to clear parcels valued over $2500. UPS will request this information from you directly. More information about this can be found on the US Customs and Border Protection website.
* The tariff situation is being handled extremely erratically by the Trump administration, as such it's susceptible to change as short notice. We will keep the information on this page updated as best we can.
[last updated: August 23rd, 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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