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This highly unusual signet ring was made in Poland between 1921 and 1930, a period of national redefinition following the restoration of Polish independence. The ring is constructed in solid 14K yellow gold, overlaid with a silver exterior.The ring is set with a large oval ruby, likely a flame-fusion synthetic. Synthetic rubies, perfected by Auguste Verneuil in the late 19th century, became commercially available at the start of the 20th century. They were widely embraced during the interwar period as symbols of progress, scientific achievement, and modernity. Their intense colour and clarity typically surpassed natural stones, and they were favoured by designers seeking visual impact.The engraved silver casing is the most compelling aspect of the ring. The imagery appears to draw directly from classical mythology; one side depicting Pan, identifiable by his horned, pastoral form and flute, while the opposing side suggests Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, ecstasy, and transformation, holding grapes and framed by vine motifs.This symbolism aligns with interwar intellectual and artistic circles, where classical mythology was frequently used as coded language. Pan and Dionysus were widely adopted in literature, philosophy, and psychology of the period as emblems of the subconscious, sensuality, rebellion against rationalism, and a return to primal human forces; themes that resonated strongly in post-war Central Europe.The use of silver over gold may further reinforce this duality; outward austerity with hidden value beneath, or the tension between public restraint and private indulgence. This is not a conventional signet ring of lineage or authority, but rather a deeply personal object; likely worn by an individual aligned with artistic, literary, or bohemian ideals, or someone consciously rejecting traditional bourgeois symbolism.The ring measures UK size O, US size 7.25. It is stamped with Polish hallmarks for 14K gold, and the years 1921-1930. The ring has a substantial weight of 12.7 grams and the band measures 8mm across at the back.A rare and intellectually charged piece, combining modern materials with ancient myth, and reflective of the cultural complexity of Poland in the 1920s.
This highly unusual signet ring was made in Poland between 1921 and 1930, a period of national redefinition following the restoration of Polish independence. The ring is constructed in solid 14K yellow gold, overlaid with a silver exterior.
The ring is set with a large oval ruby, likely a flame-fusion synthetic. Synthetic rubies, perfected by Auguste Verneuil in the late 19th century, became commercially available at the start of the 20th century. They were widely embraced during the interwar period as symbols of progress, scientific achievement, and modernity. Their intense colour and clarity typically surpassed natural stones, and they were favoured by designers seeking visual impact.
The engraved silver casing is the most compelling aspect of the ring. The imagery appears to draw directly from classical mythology; one side depicting Pan, identifiable by his horned, pastoral form and flute, while the opposing side suggests Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, ecstasy, and transformation, holding grapes and framed by vine motifs.
This symbolism aligns with interwar intellectual and artistic circles, where classical mythology was frequently used as coded language. Pan and Dionysus were widely adopted in literature, philosophy, and psychology of the period as emblems of the subconscious, sensuality, rebellion against rationalism, and a return to primal human forces; themes that resonated strongly in post-war Central Europe.
The use of silver over gold may further reinforce this duality; outward austerity with hidden value beneath, or the tension between public restraint and private indulgence. This is not a conventional signet ring of lineage or authority, but rather a deeply personal object; likely worn by an individual aligned with artistic, literary, or bohemian ideals, or someone consciously rejecting traditional bourgeois symbolism.
The ring measures UK size O, US size 7.25. It is stamped with Polish hallmarks for 14K gold, and the years 1921-1930. The ring has a substantial weight of 12.7 grams and the band measures 8mm across at the back.
A rare and intellectually charged piece, combining modern materials with ancient myth, and reflective of the cultural complexity of Poland in the 1920s.
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