This antique gold cameo ring was made in France, circa 1900.

It depicts the bust of Hercules wearing the skin of the Nemean Lion on his head, one of the most famous beasts of Greek mythology. The man-eating lion had an impenetrable skin and claws that could cut through armour. It terrorised the citizens of Nemea for years until it was encountered by the Greek hero Hercules who slew the lion and wore its pelt on his head. The agate stone is cleverly carved from one piece of gemstone, so that the white bust rises from the more translucent dark red base, the surrounding layer having been intricately cut away. It has been set in a smooth, 18K signet mount.

UK ring size N 1/2, US size 7

The ring weighs 6.95 grams, it is stamped with the French ’tête dangle’ (eagle head) hallmark indicating Paris and 18K gold. There is a makers lozenge mark also present. The ring and cameo remain in great condition despite their significant age, there are no surface scratches to the gemstone and it is set very securely in the gold mount. The cameo carving measures 14mm in diameter, and the band measures 3mm across at the back.

The Victorian era was a period of great change and innovation in the world of jewellery. Spanning from 1837 to 1901, the era witnessed an explosion of styles from romantic and sentimental to Gothic and grotesque. The use of jet, onyx, and coral in mourning jewellery became popular after the death of Prince Albert in 1861. The discovery of diamond mines in South Africa in 1867 led to an increase in the use of diamonds in jewellery, as well as the popularity of more elaborate gemstone cuts such as the cushion, rose, and old mine cuts.

Victorian jewellery was also notable for its use of complex symbolism, such as snake motifs that represented eternal love or the use of flowers to convey hidden meanings. The jewellery made in this era featured the finest materials and was made by highly skilled craftsmen, making it some of the most desirable antique jewellery for its unique charm and fine quality.

DELIVERY

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For UK delivery, we send with Royal Mail Special Delivery, arriving by the next working day. For International orders over £1000 we use DHL Express International, and for orders under £1000 we use Royal Mail International Tracked and Signed. All items are sent fully insured.

You can find more information about our shipping policy here.

RETURNS

We understand that purchasing antique jewellery online can be a daunting task, which is why we offer an easy, no-hassle returns policy. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply get in touch within 14 days of receipt for a full refund, no questions asked. We want our customers to feel confident when buying from us, and our returns policy is just one way we ensure this.

Conditions: Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. All items are to be returned in their original condition and packaging. Buyer damaged items and items bought on layaway are ineligible for returns. Items over £2500 can be returned for store credit only.

You can find more information about our returns policy here.