1973 Cancer Zodiac Ring
Cool vintage ring featuring the cancer zodiac sign, crafted in 1973. Cancer is almost always depicted as a crustacean, sometimes as a lobster or crayfish (as is the case with this ring), but in most iterations it is represented by the crab, based on the Karkinos.
Cancer is the fourth astrological sign in the zodiac, originating from the constellation of Cancer. In astrology, Cancer is the cardinal sign of the Water trigon and its ruling planet is the Moon. In ancient Egypt, the sign of Cancer was conceived as a scarab beetle, while in Mesopotamia it was represented by a turtle. In each case, the animal representative of the sign was perceived as "pushing" the sun across the heavens, initiating the summer solstice. According to Greek myth, the symbol of Cancer—often a crab, though sometimes a lobster—is based on the Karkinos (Greek: "Cancer"), a giant crab that inhabited the lagoon of Lerna. In the myth of the twelve labors of Heracles, he attacks Heracles on Hera's orders, while Heracles is in the midst of fighting the Hydra of Lerna. Heracles kills the Crab, but he is rewarded for his efforts by Hera turning him into the constellation of Cancer. In Roman variations of the story, it is Juno—Hera's counterpart in Roman mythology—who places the crab in the sky.
- Wikipedia
Era: Vintage, 1973
Head size: 13.2mm
Ring size: K ½ or 5.5 US. Resize for £35
Marks: English, Birmingham, 1973, 9ct Gold
Condition: Good vintage condition
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Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
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Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
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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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An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 2-3 weeks to shipping times
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