Ancient Minerva Intaglio Pendant
A remarkable intaglio pendant carved during the Roman period, circa 2nd century AD. Depicted is Minerva in full armour with spear, a quiver of arrows, cloak, and Corinthian helmet complete with a serpentine crest. The detail is phenomenal, particularly when it's used for its intended purpose which was to create wax imprint. The pendant mount is Georgian, circa 1800, crafted in 15ct gold and the hardstone is a beautiful deep mottled brown agate.
Minerva is the Roman equivalent of Athena, from the Greek pantheon. To the Romans, she represented wisdom, justice, law, victory, and was the sponsor of arts, trade, and strategy. Although she was, in a literal sense, a war deity, she wasn't a patron of violence (like Mars) but of strategic warfare. Along with Jupiter and Juno, Minerva completed the Capitoline Triad, to whom the elaborate temple atop the Capitoline hill was dedicated. Indeed, she was most highly revered, honoured, and respected, holding a central place in the public religion of Rome. Marcus Terentius Varro considered her to be ideal and the plan for the universe personified. Her most recognised symbol is the owl, for wisdom, but she was also associated with snakes and olive trees.
Era: Intaglio dates from the 2nd century, AD. Pendant mount circa 1800
Size: 2.4cm by 1.7cm
Marks: None, tested as 15ct goldFull 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)
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Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
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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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