Lost Owl Cupid & Psyche Signet Ring
An intaglio signet ring by Lost Owl. It features a hand carved carnelian panel depicting a cherubic Cupid riding on the back of Psyche who appears in butterfly form, the Torch of Passion raised up to guide their way. Here Psyche represents the soul, which is always guided by love. The ring itself is chunky and heavy, crafted in rich 18 carat gold and has deeply carved shoulders with little love hearts on each side of the band. English hallmarks warrant the gold and tell us it was made in London in 1879.
The tale of Cupid and Psyche details how the pair met and fell in love, and the story goes as follows…
Once upon a time there were three princesses. The eldest two were lovely enough to be admired everywhere, but the youngest was so entirely beautiful that many in the kingdom gave up the cult of Venus and worshiped the young girl instead. Her name was Psyche. Venus, as a vengeful and jealous goddess, could bear no rivalry so summoned her son, Cupid, and told him to use one of his arrows to make Psyche fall in love with a pig. Ever the dutiful son, Eros set off on his mission but as he drew his bow he accidentally scratched his arm on the tip of the arrow, gazed on Psyche, and fell madly in love with her. A long story then ensues, long and winding with many-a-plot-twist. A story that forms the foundation of many Western fairy tales, whereby Psyche is carried off to a magical castle with an invisible retinue to serve on her; jealous sisters; and impossible tasks like sorting grains of rice. It does ultimately have a happy ending though, with the couple reconciling and Cupid granting Psyche immortality so they can be wed as equals.
Part of Spells & Sigils, our collection of hand-engraved signet and posy rings.
Era: Victorian, 1879
Ring size: N 1/2 or 7 US
Head: 15.9mm by 12.6mm
Weight: 8.3 grams
Stone: Carnelian
Hallmarks: English, London, 18ct Gold, 1879, JL Maker's Mark
Condition: Great antique condition with light patina
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
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Customs charges a 10% "Reciprocal Tariff" on all parcels coming in from the UK.
We will pay this charge on your behalf and you will see it collected as a line item at checkout.
[Last updated: September 15th, 2025]
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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More Questions?
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info@lostowl.com
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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