Victorian Cupid & Psyche Cameo Ring
Once upon a time there were three princesses. The eldest two were lovely enough to be admired everywhere, but the youngest was so entirely beautiful that many in the kingdom gave up the cult of Aphrodite and worshipped the young girl instead... and her name was Psyche. Aphrodite, as a vengeful and jealous goddess, could bear no rivalry so summoned her son, Eros (or Cupid), and told him to use one of his arrows to make Psyche fall in love with a pig. Ever the dutiful son, Eros set off on his mission but as he drew his bow he accidentally scratched his arm on the tip of the arrow, gazed on Psyche, and fell madly in love with her. A long story then ensues, long and winding with many-a-plot-twist. A story that forms the foundation of many Western fairy tales, whereby Psyche is carried off to a magical castle with an invisible retinue to serve on her; jealous sisters; impossible tasks like sorting grains of rice... it's an excellent story, and well worth looking up. Stephen Fry's Mythos and Luna McNamara's Psyche and Eros are two excellent contemporary retellings.
This exquisite cameo ring dates from the Victorian era, the latter half of the 19th century, circa 1880. Cupid (or Eros) is depicted as a chubby little cherub, reaching up to catch Psyche who, in butterfly form, flutters above him. The pair are carved from white hardstone agate over a vivid deep apple green background. The panel as bordered by glistening rose cut diamonds and raised up on a wonderfully intricate pseudo-claw openworked gallery. Ornate shoulders and a reeded band complete the elegant aesthetic. Crafted in 18 carat gold throughout.
Era: Victorian, circa 1880
Ring size: O or 7.25 US. Resizeable for £55
Head: 22.2mm by 12.2mm
Stones: Diamond & Hardstone Agate
Marks: Stamped 18CT
Condition: Great antique condition; light patina
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
US Customs charges a 10% "Reciprocal Tariff" on all parcels coming in from the UK.
We will pay this charge on your behalf and you will see it collected as a line item at checkout.
[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
*the shopping cart, not checkout