Roman Theseus Intaglio Signet Ring
Theseus, in Greek mythology, was the son of Aethra and Aegeus,* one of the primordial kings of Athens. He was raised in his mother's land, Troezen, but upon discovering his connection to Aegeus, Theseus made the long and dangerous journey to Athens on foot, through the Saronic Gulf where he would encounter a string of six entrances to the Underworld - more commonly known as the Six Labours - each being guarded by a chthonic enemy.
The most famous event in Theseus's legend took place on Crete, the Island home of the Minotaur. A monstrous creature, half man and half bull, the Minotaur was imprisoned in Daedalus's Labyrinth in the court of King Minos.
This carnelian intaglio dates from imperial Rome, and it depicts Theseus, naked but for a crested helmet, shield and sword. Possibly a souvenir picked up by a Roman tourist on holiday in Greece. It's mounted in a heavy, 18 carat gold Victorian signet ring that's weighty and substantial on the finger. Indeed, it has been so loved over the past 140ish years that the original shank has been replaced, presumably worn right through (and I can relate, I've had this on every day since we sourced it).
*but, somewhat confusingly, Poseidon was also involved: "following the instructions of Athena in a dream, Aethra left the sleeping Aegeus and waded across to the island of Sphairia that lay close to Troezen's shore. There, she poured a libation to Sphairos (Pelops's charioteer) and Poseidon and was possessed by the sea god in the night. The mix gave Theseus a combination of divine as well as mortal characteristics in his nature; such double paternity, with one immortal and one mortal, was a familiar feature of other Greek heroes."
Era: Ring is Victorian, circa 1880. Intaglio is Roman, circa 2nd Century AD
Ring size: U 1/2 or 10.25 US. Resizeable for £55
Head size: 18.4mm by 15.5mm
Stone: Carnelian Agate
Marks: None. Head tested as 18ct gold, shank tested as 9ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition. A few small chips/nibbles around the edge of the stone. Excellent gold patina. Shank has been replaced
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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
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Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
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Condition
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