Early Victorian 'Zeus & Nike' Ancient Intaglio Fob
Excellent 19th century gold fob set with an ancient intaglio carving depicting the Greek deities Zeus and Nike. Zeus sits on his throne, clutching a sceptre in one hand and in his other, the arm outstretched before him, stands a winged Nike presenting him with a laurel wreath. The cornucopia - the horn of plenty - rests on the ground as his feet. The intaglio carving, into a beautiful mottled orange/pink hardstone, is incredibly intricate, and the symbolism is clear and potent: the unrivalled bounties of success; or, the spoils of victory. The fob itself dates from the early Victorian era, circa 1850, and the hardstone intaglio was made in the 2nd or 3rd century AD. Built in 15ct gold.
Era: Intaglio dates from the 2nd or 3rd century, AD. Fob mount circa 1850
Height: 2.2cm
Base: 16.2mm by 13.7mm
Stones: Hardstone agate intaglio
Marks: None, tested as 15ct gold
Condition: Great overall condition. The gold has taken on a gorgeous patina and the carving remains crisp and clear. There is a surface-reaching fracture running along the bottom half of the hardstone (appears to pre-date the stone being set into the mount)
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Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
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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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