Ancient Magic Amulet Ring
A "Magic Amulet" intaglio forms the centrepiece of this incredible contemporary signet ring, crafted in sustainably sourced Australian white gold. The front of the amulet features a carved ouroboros (tail devouring snake) around two words, in Greek, that form part of the magic spell. The back features four further lines of text, that complete the spell. The carving on the front is reversed/mirrored, so the stone can be used to create a wax or clay seal that reads the correct way round.
Magic Amulets were used in ancient Mediterranean cultures, particularly Egypt during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, to ensure well-being - allowing the wearer to avoid sickness and any other misfortunes life might throw at them. They're usually engraved on both sides, and comprise a 'scene' as well as a magical spell or formulae (usually in Greek and often seemingly nonsensical) that was key to the protective function of the stone. In Egypt, these amulets were relatively inexpensive, and as a result accessible to most people - think of a Saint Christopher, or an evil eye, for a modern-day example. The carvings can be quite crude (even flat-out wrong in some examples), and the amulets were worn or place on the body to transmit their power directly. Subject, colour, shape, size, and material were all additional factors - alongside the imagery and words - that could affect the function of a particular stone: red, for example, 'was associated with dangerous forces but was thus also considered to be protective'.*
*https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/egam/hd_egam.htm
Era: Intaglio, 3rd-4th century AD. Ring, contemporary
Ring size: M or 6 US. Resizeable for £35
Head: 16.4mm by 17.1mm
Stone: Agate hardstone
Marks: None present, crafted in sustainably sourced 18 carat white gold (Australian)
Condition: Great antique condition, the stone has a surface reaching fissure (stable)
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)
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say
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.
More Questions?
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alex@lostowl.jewelry
An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 2-3 weeks to shipping times
Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
*shopping cart, not the checkout