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A scarce and small ancient Roman gold Medusa cameo ring, circa 2nd to 3rd century AD.
The carved layered onyx gemstone is white in colour and depicts the bust of Medusa engraved with crosshatched snakes for her hair. In Greek mythology, Medusa was one of the three Gorgons. She is typically described as a winged monster with living venemous snakes in place of hair; and anyone who gazed directly upon her was turned to stone.
Due to the apotropaic (protective) function of her image, the head of Medusa (Gorgoneion) was one of the most ubiquitous motifs since the Hellenistic period; it had several interpretations and underwent numerous changes over time. In ancient Rome, it was used as a decoration for both funerary and architectural monuments, as well as weapons, and other military equipment, but also in applied art, such as earrings, cameo rings, and medallion necklaces.
For women in ancient Rome, jewellery with Medusa motifs was worn as an amulet or apotropaic device to protect them and repel unwanted glances (Greek: Μέδουσα (Médousa), “guardian, protectress”). According to mythology, it was worn by the goddess Athena on her breastplate/aegis, as well as by Zeus.
A number of referenced examples of similar ancient Roman Medusa cameo carvings reside in notable museums all across the world, from the British Museum to the Met Museum. A page with these examples and their sources can be found in the final photos of the listing. Similar examples of Medusa cameos and this specific ring design can also be found in the extensive Alice and Louis Koch collection (items: 307, 358, 362, 364 and 395).
The cameo is set in its original gold ring mount, crafted from thick hammered layers of high-karat gold with the conical bezel protruding outwards. Due to the nature and age of this gold ring, it is somewhat fragile and therefore we would not recommend this ring for regular wear.
UK size C 1/2, US size 1.5 (very small! internal diameter of 14mm)
The cameo measures 8mm x 7mm x 5mm. The gold ring is unmarked but tests as high karat gold (21K).
A truly remarkable survivor and over 1800 years old, this ring is as coveted today as it would have been at its creation. It would make an excellent addition for any collector, or for anyone looking for a tangible piece of history!
A scarce and small ancient Roman gold Medusa cameo ring, circa 2nd to 3rd century AD.
The carved layered onyx gemstone is white in colour and depicts the bust of Medusa engraved with crosshatched snakes for her hair. In Greek mythology, Medusa was one of the three Gorgons. She is typically described as a winged monster with living venemous snakes in place of hair; and anyone who gazed directly upon her was turned to stone.
Due to the apotropaic (protective) function of her image, the head of Medusa (Gorgoneion) was one of the most ubiquitous motifs since the Hellenistic period; it had several interpretations and underwent numerous changes over time. In ancient Rome, it was used as a decoration for both funerary and architectural monuments, as well as weapons, and other military equipment, but also in applied art, such as earrings, cameo rings, and medallion necklaces.
For women in ancient Rome, jewellery with Medusa motifs was worn as an amulet or apotropaic device to protect them and repel unwanted glances (Greek: Μέδουσα (Médousa), “guardian, protectress”). According to mythology, it was worn by the goddess Athena on her breastplate/aegis, as well as by Zeus.
A number of referenced examples of similar ancient Roman Medusa cameo carvings reside in notable museums all across the world, from the British Museum to the Met Museum. A page with these examples and their sources can be found in the final photos of the listing. Similar examples of Medusa cameos and this specific ring design can also be found in the extensive Alice and Louis Koch collection (items: 307, 358, 362, 364 and 395).
The cameo is set in its original gold ring mount, crafted from thick hammered layers of high-karat gold with the conical bezel protruding outwards. Due to the nature and age of this gold ring, it is somewhat fragile and therefore we would not recommend this ring for regular wear.
UK size C 1/2, US size 1.5 (very small! internal diameter of 14mm)
The cameo measures 8mm x 7mm x 5mm. The gold ring is unmarked but tests as high karat gold (21K).
A truly remarkable survivor and over 1800 years old, this ring is as coveted today as it would have been at its creation. It would make an excellent addition for any collector, or for anyone looking for a tangible piece of history!
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