Victorian Agate Intaglio Ring of Lovers Embracing

A late 19th c Victorian statement ring, set with a pale-yellow agate intaglio of lovers mid-embrace, head cradled and arms extended as if leaning into a kiss. The intaglio carving hews to Greco-Roman tradition, with an emphasis on sinew, curves, and lines of the body rather than detailed minutiae. The gorgeous 14k gold setting is a hybrid of late Victorian design with revival elements: the rayed ring head posterior is modeled on earlier 18th century design, with the butterfly fleur-de-lis capped with shell finials a revival in the Rococo taste. Weighing an impressive 18.6 grams, this ring can be worn as a bold cocktail ring, or strung on a chain as a fob pendant.
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Description

Date: c. 1880 – 1900, late Victorian era

Ring size: USA 7, UK N, EU 54 (resizable via laser welder—contact me for more info)

Materials: agate, solid 14k yellow gold (unmarked; tested with electronic gold tester & muriatic-nitric acid)

Weight: 18.6 grams

Dimension of ring face: 28.8 x 21 mm oval

Height of ring face: 7.28 mm

Dimension of ring shoulders: 19.4 x 12.5 mm

Dimension of agate: 26 x 18 mm oval

Width of shank: 4.6 mm

Thickness of shank: 0.9 – 1.1 mm

Condition: age-related surface wear, light tarnish, and patina to the gold throughout. An internal natural inclusion to the agate. Otherwise in excellent antique condition. Intaglio is crisp and well preserved. This ring does not appear to have been resized before.

Victorian Agate Intaglio Ring of Lovers Embracing

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