Georgian Tassie Locket Ring
From the Journal
The Secret Language of Antique Jewellery: A Guide to Symbols
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A late Georgian gold signet ring, c.1820, set with a red glass intaglio in the manner of James and William Tassie, with a secret compartment hidden beneath the seal.The Tassies made glass casts of famous ancient engraved gems, so faithful that collectors could wear copies of the most celebrated Classical stones. From the late 18th century their work became hugely fashionable, and their workshop produced thousands of these casts in different colours for rings and seals. Comparable examples are held in museum collections.The scene shows Apollo, god of music, poetry and the arts, seated beside his great lyre. Standing with him is Fortuna, goddess of fortune, holding her rudder, the symbol of her power to steer the unpredictable course of human life.The great surprise is the bezel. The whole seal is hinged and lifts to reveal a hidden compartment beneath, made perhaps for a lock of hair, a tiny keepsake or another private memento. Closed, it can still be used as a seal, leaving the scene in relief when pressed into wax.Broad tapering shoulders carry the substantial oval bezel. A rare meeting of Georgian signet ring, Classical revival jewel and secret locket.Details: England, c.1820; gold, tests as 15K; red glass Tassie-type intaglio; hinged secret compartment; 4.5g; UK O, US 7¼.Condition: Good, wearable antique condition. The hinge opens and closes securely. Light wear to the glass and gold, consistent with age.
A late Georgian gold signet ring, c.1820, set with a red glass intaglio in the manner of James and William Tassie, with a secret compartment hidden beneath the seal.
The Tassies made glass casts of famous ancient engraved gems, so faithful that collectors could wear copies of the most celebrated Classical stones. From the late 18th century their work became hugely fashionable, and their workshop produced thousands of these casts in different colours for rings and seals. Comparable examples are held in museum collections.
The scene shows Apollo, god of music, poetry and the arts, seated beside his great lyre. Standing with him is Fortuna, goddess of fortune, holding her rudder, the symbol of her power to steer the unpredictable course of human life.
The great surprise is the bezel. The whole seal is hinged and lifts to reveal a hidden compartment beneath, made perhaps for a lock of hair, a tiny keepsake or another private memento. Closed, it can still be used as a seal, leaving the scene in relief when pressed into wax.
Broad tapering shoulders carry the substantial oval bezel. A rare meeting of Georgian signet ring, Classical revival jewel and secret locket.
Details: England, c.1820; gold, tests as 15K; red glass Tassie-type intaglio; hinged secret compartment; 4.5g; UK O, US 7¼.
Condition: Good, wearable antique condition. The hinge opens and closes securely. Light wear to the glass and gold, consistent with age.
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