{"product_id":"roman-theseus-intaglio-signet-ring","title":"Roman Theseus Intaglio Signet Ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eTheseus, 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThis 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 \u003cem\u003etourist\u003c\/em\u003e on \u003cem\u003eholiday\u003c\/em\u003e 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).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e*but, somewhat confusingly, Poseidon was also involved: \u003cem\u003e\"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.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEra: Ring is Victorian, circa 1880. Intaglio is Roman, circa 2nd Century AD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eRing size: U 1\/2 or 10.25 US. Resizeable for £55\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eHead size: 18.4mm by 15.5mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eStone: Carnelian Agate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eMarks: None. Head tested as 18ct gold, shank tested as 9ct gold\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCondition: Great antique condition. A few small chips\/nibbles around the edge of the stone. Excellent gold patina. Shank has been replaced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lost Heirloom","offers":[{"title":"No \/ No","offer_id":49638392365368,"sku":"LO2115","price":2250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"No \/ Yes","offer_id":49638392398136,"sku":"LO2115i","price":2325.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Yes \/ No","offer_id":49638392430904,"sku":"LO2115r","price":2305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Yes \/ Yes","offer_id":49638392463672,"sku":"LO2115ri","price":2380.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/7387\/2952\/files\/Website-5738.jpg?v=1776933792","url":"https:\/\/lostowl.com\/products\/roman-theseus-intaglio-signet-ring","provider":"Lost Owl Jewelry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}