French Carnelian Armorial Signet
Offers close Sunday 15 November
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A large antique signet ring, made in Paris c.1900, its carnelian engraved with a quartered coat of arms.Armorial signets were made to order: the arms identified the owner and sealed his letters. This example is unusually personal. Two quarters show a greyhound, a traditional emblem of loyalty, and the other two a flaming heart, a symbol of devotion. Small stars in the greyhound quarters are picked out in cold-painted enamel.The orange carnelian is cut deep and clean, as a seal stone should be. The shoulders are engraved with flowers, three to each side, and the ring is of a generous size and weight.The band carries the eagle's head, the mark used in Paris for 18K gold, which confirms where it was made. Pieces assayed outside Paris carried a horse's head instead.A substantial ring with real presence, well suited to a larger hand or to wear on the little finger.Details: c.1900; Paris, France; 18K gold (eagle's head mark, Paris); carnelian intaglio; face 2 × 1 cm, 0.4 cm deep; 8.75g; UK Y, US 12.Condition: Very good. Light wear consistent with age; the painted stars remain visible.
Further reading: Family Mottoes on Signet Rings: Meanings, from Frangas Non Flectes to Cavendo Tutus
Further reading: Family Mottoes on Signet Rings: Meanings, from Frangas Non Flectes to Cavendo Tutus
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