Fine Art · Asian Works of Art
Gold Ring with an Engraved Purple Intaglio
No. XVIII

Gold Ring with an Engraved Purple Intaglio

Hellenistic style · 17.4K gold

A slender gold hoop with a drum-shaped bezel holding a dark purple intaglio, and clusters of gold granules at the shoulders.

Style
Hellenistic style; made now
Form
Ring
Gold
17.4 karat — 72.3% gold by XRF
Setting
Set with a dark purple intaglio
Dimensions
Height 2.9 cm (1 ⅛ in.)
Weight
5 g including the setting
Ring size
9½ (US)
Category
Gold
Reference
VFA-018
Price
US$ 640

Catalogue Note

Engraved gems in simple gold rings were used as seals throughout the Hellenistic East. This ring has the characteristic high, straight-sided bezel with a beaded rim, and the shoulders are marked with small pyramids of granules — a detail that is easy to miss and repays a close look.

It reads 72.3 per cent gold by XRF, about 17 karat. Five grams; ring size 9½ (US).

In stock · US$ 640

The price includes packing; carriage is quoted at cost once we know the destination. Write to us to buy it, or to ask anything at all beforehand — we answer the same day and send an invoice payable by card or transfer.

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