Lost Owl Brutalist Octopus Ring
An intaglio ring by Lost Owl. The ring itself is brutalist and features a gorgeous bottle-green spinel, unusually fashioned with a flat cut top and chequerboard-faceted underside, along with a rugged textured gallery. Crafted in 14 carat gold and dating from the 1960s. We have had it engraved with an octopus, based on the iconic 5th century BCE coins mined in Syracuse and struck during the Second Peloponnesian War.
The Second Peloponnesian War was a titanic struggle between the Delian League, led by Athens, and the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta, that engulfed the entire Greek world. Sparta and Athens were culturally very different places which led to disharmony and mistrust between them long before the Peloponnesian Wars. The conflict began in 431 BC and ended with utter defeat for Athens in 404 BC as its naval empire was destroyed. Syracuse sided with Sparta against Athens and an Athenian fleet was sent to capture the island. The Spartan general Alcibiades and a few Spartan troops inspired the Syracusans to fight and help defeat the Athenians.
Historians have traditionally divided the war into three phases:
- In the first phase, known as the Archidamian War, Sparta launched repeated invasions of Attica, while Athens used its naval advantage to raid the coast of the Peloponnese in an attempt to suppress signs of unrest in its empire. This period of the war concluded in 421 BC with the signing of the Peace of Nicias, however this was quickly undermined by renewed fighting in the Peloponnese.
- In 415 BC, Athens launched a massive attack on Syracuse; the attack failed miserably, with the destruction of the entire force in 413 BC.
- The final phase of the war, generally known as the Decelean or Ionian War, saw Sparta support rebellions in Athen's subject states in the Aegean Sea and Ionia, thereby depriving the city of naval supremacy. The destruction of Athen's fleet in the Battle of Aegospotami effectively ended the war, and Athens surrendered the following year.
This use of the octopus was a visual representation of the powerful Greek city-state's immense maritime strength, naval dominance, and significant influence over the Mediterranean Sea.
Part of Spells & Sigils, our collection of hand-engraved signet and posy rings.
Era: Vintage, circa 1960
Ring size: L 1/2 or 6 US. Resizeable for £55
Head: 14.7mm by 19.4mm
Stone: Intaglio Engraved Flame-Fusion Spinel (lab grown)
Marks: None, tested as 14ct gold
Condition: Great vintage condition
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[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 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
25% deposit 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 and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is 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 3-6 weeks to shipping times Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
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