Victorian Hermes Intaglio Ring
Hermes was a multifaceted character: the archetypal trickster, the divine messenger, the patron (and idealisation) of youths, he guided souls deep into the earth to the realm of Hades, he was clever, and (pushing both liberalism and anthropomorphism to their extremes) he was a thief - because the Greeks believed that even thieves should have their patron deity.
This Victorian signet ring features an intaglio carving of Hermes, and quite an unusual one at that... He wears his trademark wide-brimmed head - the petasos (πέτασος) - with wings, but the wings are represented by individual feathers. And his staff, the Caduceus, is present in the background but it's void of snakes... very curious. The intaglio is carved into an oval carnelian panel, and the ring itself, with distinctive flared shoulders, is crafted in 9 carat gold. Partial English hallmarks (London) date it to 1872.
Era: Victorian, 1872
Ring size: M 1/2 or 6.5 US. Resizeable for £55
Head: 17.8mm by 15.3mm
Stone: Carnelian
Marks: Partial English hallmark: London, 1872. Tested as 9ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition
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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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
*the shopping cart, not checkout