Ring with Intaglio

[michael_lj]

Hi,

I am new to this but would love any help I can get. I have been looking for a place just like this for a long time!

I inherited a ring from my dad and soon after he passed away - this meant I didn't get a good chance to ask him about its history. From my research (or lack there of, but not by choice) I have found that it could best be described as an intaglio. There was a resurgence in the early 1900's but all examples I have seen had very chunky and ornate gold bands, other examples have dated in the order of BC and AD though. The intaglio is very detailed made yet the band is simple at best. The gold (as I believe it is) appears to be rose gold because of the deep colour. When taken to a number of antique shops locally (none of which have been overly helpful) have suggested that the stone is either some sort of a soap stone, jet, onyx - none of which I am sure of as when the ring is held to the light it clearly shows an amber colour but is dark black otherwise. As far as date my dad mentioned my grandfathers grandfather and I am 21 - this puts it in the order of the 1800's.

I would really appreciate any help that anyone can provide me - my research might seem basic but it is the best I could do. Thank you so much in advance.

Kind Regards.
Michael LJ

[syl]

Are there any markings on the back of the ring or inside the band?

[KC]

Wonder if this could be hematite?  If so...worth $200+

[michael_lj]

Thanks so much for responding.

There are no markings on the back or on the band. I will get a picture of the back incase it is of any help and post it asap.

I'll have a look into hematite and see whether I can see anything that might link it and post.

Thanks again in advance for anything you can help me with

- Michael

[sapphire]

Came across a few pics of intaglio and notice some are made with Carnelian, which is described as .....

"Carnelian (also spelled cornelian) is a reddish-brown mineral which is commonly used as a semi-precious gemstone. Similar to carnelian is sard, which is generally harder and darker. (The difference is not rigidly defined, and the two names are often used interchangeably.) Both carnelian and sard are varieties of the silica mineral chalcedony colored by impurities of iron oxide. The color can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration."

[michael_lj]

Sounds like it might be on the money! The stone on my ring is a deep black yet does show a orange colour that I earlier described as 'amber' when held to the light. I'm thinking it is more likely sard going by the description you gave but will look into it.


Have you got a link to the site that you find the information on? If you havent any longer did it give an idea of date? who it was worn by? what it was for? etc?

Thanks.

[sapphire]

http://www.peterszuhay.co.uk/intaglio%20rings.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnelian
 

[KC]

A few examples of hematite with century/soldier depictions.  IN addition Intiglio rings were very popular 1930 - 1940 and were very often made of hematite or black onyx with the first being the most popular.  These were very popular gifts to give to soldiers as they went off to war since it was the picture of a warrior.  were generally made with a Greek or Roman soldier picture on them. So far I haven't found another one with the same carving as yours!:

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-HEMATITE-INTAGLIO-10K-GOLD-RING-_W0QQitemZ300384001436QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20100107?IMSfp=TL100107056003r3509

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/arnoldjewelers/item/Hematitex20Cameox2010kx20Ring

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/arnoldjewelers/item/Hematitex20Intagliox20Ring

http://www.thefind.com/jewelry/info-mens-10k-gold-vintage-ring

[sapphire]

A few more...........

http://search.rubylane.com/search?ss=intaglio+ring&hsb=Find+an+Item

[michael_lj]

Thanks for the links.... I spent a considerable amount of time searching to find similar rings but came back with far less examples than what you found.

One thing I've noticed with the 1900's examples of similar rings is that they have very bold, ornate and often art deco bands ..... yet my ring which has a carving on par with the quality of any of the examples you gave has such a basic band which looks to be fashioned with basic means also - any suggestions why? does it suggest it is older? or do you think its simply that it was made with a basic band.....

one other question is, when did markings come in for Gold? I believe it was after that of silver but I am not sure...

[sapphire]

Old and older........   (actually in the reverse  )

http://www.anneschofieldantiques.com/pages/gemstones.htm

[michael_lj]

haha thanks. I would love if it was in the region of the "older" AD intaglio's - love the idea of something having so much history