Nice Ancient Roman Green Chalcedony Intaglio of Athena with Owl

Code: 10222

This is an ancient Roman Republican intaglio, dating to the 1st century B.C. The intaglio is finely cut with an image of Minerva (Athena) standing beside her Owl. She wears a Corinthian helmet and holds a victory wreath and whip. The green of the chromium would have placed this chalcedony gemstone in the same category as an emerald. During this period seven types of green gems were classed as variants of the emerald. This intaglio would have originally been set into a gold or silver signet ring, used to seal and authenticate letters and transactions. Today it is suitable for remounting by a competent jeweler.   

OBJECT: Intaglio

CULTURE: Roman Republican

DATE: c. 1st century B.C.

MATERIAL: Chromium Chalcedony

SIZE: 13.23mm x 10.44mm x 2mm

WEIGHT: 0.56 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European private collection.