Georgian Nike Intaglio Ring
Cool antique signet ring set with a Georgian period Tassie seal depicting the Greek goddess Nike (aka Winged Victory). The seal is formed from orange glass, designed to create an imprint in wax. These seals, knowns as Tassies, feature a pressed glass paste intaglio of an engraving by James or William Tassie. The pair created a prolific collection of engraved gems during the latter half of the 18th century, across a broad range of popular subjects including Classical deities and motifs, the "heads of great Men such as Shakespeare, Milton etc.", rebus puzzles, the Language of Flowers, popular sayings or mottos, names, etc. They became fantastically popular, as a letter from the poet John Keats to his sister, Fanny, attests:
"…On looking at your seal I cannot tell whether it is done or not with a Tassi – it seems to me to be paste—As I went through Leicester Square lately I was going to call and buy you some, but not knowing but you might have some I would not run the chance of buying duplicates—Tell me if you have any or if you would like any—and whether you would rather have motto ones like that with which I seal this letter; or heads of great Men such as Shakespeare, Milton &c—or fancy pieces of Art; such as Fame, Adonis &c—those gentry you read of at the end of the English Dictionary."
This one has been set into a later, Edwardian period, signet ring mount - possibly salvaged from a fob and repurposed into a more wearable article. It features split shoulders and Chester hallmarks from the year 1914. Crafted in 9ct yellow gold.
Era: Seal, Georgain circa 1800 - Ring, Edwardian 1914
Head size: 15.9mm by 12.5mm
Ring size: O 1/2 or 7.5 US. Resizable for £35
Stone: Glass Paste Seal
Hallmarks: English, Chester, 9ct gold, 1914
Condition: Good antique condition. Surface wear to the seal consistent with age - see images
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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
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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
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.
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