Description: Stones circa 1st Century AD.
This lovely piece features two fine Roman itaglios set as an 18k gold ring during the mid 19th century. The red chalcedony (sard) intaglio depics a bearded Hercules, standing nude and brandishing a large club in his right hand, the left outstretched and holding a covered offering bowl. The rare green chalcedony "concordia" or "harmony" intaglio depicts two hands clasped together. Such rings were worn on the third finger of the left hand, for Roman culture followed the Egyptian belief that from that finger ran the "nerve of love" directly to the heart. Beautifully carved, both intaglios are set in a raised gold bezel accented with a decorative rope border, and joined by a shank of twisted gold designed to resemble a bonding rope. Together, the strength of Hercules reinforces the concordia intaglio, thus symbolizing strength, marriage, trust, harmony and 'fede,' meaning a pledge of love - and what the wedding ring in Italy is called even today.
Condition: Intact and in excellent condition overall. A superb piece!
Dimensions: US ring size 3 1/2
Provenance: Private New York collection.
