Renaissance gold and emerald cameo ring

Code: 11367

This is a rare Renaissance gold finger ring, dating to the 16th - 17th centuries. The ring is set with a dark green hardstone cameo within a raised bezel, decorated with a table cut diamond and enamel.  The cameo is very ancient, in my opinion, Roman and cut in the form of a Gorgoneion head. Such gems were highly sought by aristocratic collectors and royalty during the Renaissance, to be set into jewels such as this. The closed-back setting has been opened at some stage (perhaps to examine the emerald or reset the gem) then the bezel has been resoldered. Despite the condition, this is still a very rare ring for a serious collector.

OBJECT: Cameo Ring

CULTURE: Renaissance

DATE: c. 16th - 17th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold, emerald, diamond, and enamel

RING SIZE:    8  (US)     Q (UK)

SIZE: 26.33mm x 21.01mm x 2.23mm (bezel 18.49mm x 14.99mm x 7.41mm /// cameo 10.78mm x  8.70mm)

WEIGHT: 5.33 grams

PROVENANCE: Formerly in a private collection, Exeter.