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Recent Purchase

Item Number: CS 097

A fine Regency Bloodstone Crested Armorial Ring, the dark green and red mottled stone engraved with a full Coat of Arms of an Earl, which comprise the two supporters, at left a Crowned Lion and at right is a Bull wearing a Crown around its neck. The central shield has a large number of Heraldic symbols within, amongst which are; A Lion rampant, a Cross, three birds on branches, several birds in flight, three gloved hands and various other small crosses and chevrons. Some of these are engraved on a smaller shield within the main shield, which makes this a very complex Heraldic Crest and has some of the finest Hardstone engraving I have seen. The scrolling motto below reads “PLAISIR EN FAITS D’ARMES” which is also beautifully lettered. This fine Bloodstone is set in a substantial Gold ring mount with thick bezel and strong fluted stirrup shank, all testing as 18 carat Gold. English circa 1810

Condition: Good Weight of Ring 12g

Dimensions of top 23mm x 20mm

Size: UK: S USA: 9 Japan: 20

Price: £2,500

*The only other Bloodstone Armorials that can compare with this fine Ring are Crested Signet CS 024 (sold) and Oscar OW 018, an early Tiffany Crested Ring.

Item Number: CS 096

An interesting Bloodstone Intaglio Signet Ring. The stone is engraved with a vine leaf and a bunch of grapes and dividing the two is an antique style knife with a long blade ending in a hook; this may be the traditional tool for cutting and trimming grape vines. I have no idea if this engraving is part of a family crest, or an individual vintners personal emblem, but I certainly like the subject because I enjoy good wine! The Gold mount is thick and substantial and the inner shank is stamped 750 for 18 carat Gold and there is another unidentified mark. Continental, circa 1920

Condition: Good

Dimensions of top: 12mm x 15mm Weight of Ring: 14.02g

Size: UK: Q ½ USA: 6 ¼ Japan: 18

Price: £720

Item Number: CS 095

An amusing late 19^th century Bloodstone Intaglio of a mouse pausing before a box trap and above is the motto in French, PRENEZ GARDE, which I imagine translates as “on your guard” or “watch out”. The Intaglio is in a 1920’s period unmarked ring mount which tests as 18ct Gold and the stone would have been used by a woman to press into sealing wax when she closed her envelopes containing letters to friends. French or English Bloodstone, Intaglio circa 1890 , Gold ring mount, circa 1920

Condition: Good Weight: 9.08g

Dimensions: 14mm x 9mm

Size: UK L USA: 5¾ Japan 11

Price £460

Item Number: CS 094

An ornate Shield Coat of Arms, carved in an Amethyst about 150 years ago and probably originally in an important desk seal and now mounted in a twentieth century Ring, testing as 18 carat Gold. I judge the stone to be very deep because the ring designer had to make the setting very high and with a closed back for strength. The Shield is engraved in three sections; on the left side, occupying half of the area, is carved the head of a Griffon, holding a leafy branch in its beak and above the Griffon on the right is an open, palm facing hand and the whole background is dot engraved. The right side of the Shield has three five pointed stars with dot background and below this section is a rampant Lion with horizontal lined background. The Shield is deeply carved and a very good example of the almost lost craft of hand carving precious stones.

Amethyst Intaglio: circa 1850 Gold Ring Mount: 20th century

Condition: Good Weight of Ring: 21.04g

Dimensions:14mmx14mm

Size: UK M USA: 6 ¼ Japan: 12

Price: £1,800

Item Number: CS 093

A richly hued Carnelian Intaglio of an interesting arboreal Coat of Arms. At the top, emerging from the Knight’s helm is an oak tree, laden with acorns. To the left and right of the helm emerge scrolling leaves and other representations which surround the central shield. Within this shield is another oak tree, also laden with acorns and the naturalistic theme is continued on the reverse of the head, with Gold repoussé leaves filling the whole ground of the closed back mount. The elegant shoulders feature a flower head with emergent trefoil leaves and the slender shank is unmarked and tests as 18 carat Gold. English circa 1820

Condition Good. Weight 4.3g

Dimensions 15mm x 17mm

Size: UK O USA 7 Japan 15

Price £SOLD

Item Number: CS 092

An elegant early 18^th century swivel head Armorial Ring, on one side, in mottled yellow and black agate, the Intaglio head of a Seal, holding a compass in its mouth. The reverse oval is a Bloodstone Intaglio of an ornate shield carved with three facing Lions heads, two crescents and a star. The Gold hoop has prick work decoration to the sides and holds the Intaglios with small Gold screws. English circa 1720

Condition: Good

Weight 5.1g Top 16mm x 10mm

Size: UK: N USA: 6 ¾ Japan: 14

Price £990

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Item Number: CS 091

A handsome octagonal carved Amethyst Seal Ring.

The winged helmet of Hermes is resting on the Woolsack^* with an anchor to the right. Christopher analyses it thus: that the Woolsack represented great wealth in the 17^thand 18^th centuries, wool production being one of the most important industries and to this day, the speaker of the House of Lords sits on the Woolsack. The winged helmet is the communication to the Olympian Gods and the anchor is the Christian symbol of Hope. The carving combines the Classical, Christian and commercial symbols into one Intaglio. Who commissioned it? We think a wealthy wool merchant who was not leaving anything to chance. Amethyst Intaglio circa 1800 Later fine mount, testing as 18 carat Gold.

Condition: Good Weight Of Ring: 15.4g Dimensions of Top: 12mm x 14mm

Size: UK: M ½ USA: 6 ½ Japan: 13

Price: £1,600

*which is a sack of wool.

Click on Images to Enlarge

Item Number: CS 090

A Victorian rectangular Citrine Intaglio of a standing Retriever facing left and above the dog is engraved the word “Fidelle”. The stone is set in a Gold ring mount, the inner shank stamped with the makers mark J&S and 18ct for 18 carat Gold, English circa 1880

Condition: Good Weight of ring: 8.2 g

Dimensions of top: 12mm x 15mm

Size: UK: P ½ USA: 8 ¼ Japan: 16

Price: £880

Click on Images to Enlarge

Item Number: CS089

A fine mid Victorian Amethyst Crested Signet Ring with two rampant lions and hatched quarters. On the top of the shield is a collared stag and beneath the shield, in a scroll, is the Latin motto, Pro Patria.. The shield shaped Amethyst carved with a central The Intaglio is set in a substantial ring mount, unmarked and testing as 18 carat Gold. English circa 1870.

Condition Good. Weight: 19.4 g Amethyst: 10mm X 13mm

Size UK M USA 6 ½ Japan 12

Price £1,900

Click on Images to Enlarge

Blue Chalcedony used as an Intaglio is not very common and this one is the first on my Website. The principle emblem in the Crest is a three masted ship, long pennant flying in the wind and all sails set on a choppy sea. The Latin motto carved in a scroll reads: SEDULE ET SECUNDE. The Gold ring mount is a classic late Victorian design, plain shoulders to a plain shank with fairly substantial Gold work. The inner shank was hallmarked, but now is so faint as to be illegible, although the overall condition of the Ring is good. English circa 1890.

A large and striking Agate Intaglio Portrait of a bearded man with his hair covered and tied. The subject may be the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius but I am still asking opinions and will publish these when given. The Agate is a soft brown colour that shades to a green, almost kaki tone and the carving would probably have been done in Italy in the first half of the 18^th century. The early 19^th century English ring mount is in unmarked 18ct Gold. Intaglio circa 1750, ring mount circa 1800

A late Victorian Chrysoprase Intaglio Ring. The Green Chrysoprase carved with a Stags Head on a shield with diagonally hatched ground with castellated borders and the Motto “Thus Far”. The Rings shoulders have an attractively engraved design in the form of a curved chevron. The inner shank stamped with the makers mark GS 18, but the date letter and city mark lost through sizing. Because of the Stags Head and the fact that the Ring was purchased in an antique shop in Edinburgh, makes me offer the opinion that the ring could be Scottish! Circa 1890

This is the ancient Greek Goddess Ceres, protector of the harvests and the orchards, carved in a mysterious piece of Black Hardstone that several others and I cannot identify. I am going to ask Christopher to examine it and give me his opinion. Ceres is an interesting Intaglio herself, with her fine straight nose and pouting sensual lips and amongst her curls are an Hellenic Crown and an ear of Corn. Her uncontrollable hair springs out at every opportunity, giving her a very Contemporary appearance, which is most attractive. This fine Intaglio is set in a rectangular cut corned open backed late Regency Ring Mount to plain shoulders and shank. The narrowest part of the band has been replaced, no doubt because a former fond owner wore this Ring for so many years that the shank became thin. English circa 1835

I wonder what act of naval courage or brilliance caused this Ring to be given to G Rabett in 1827? The Ring top has a fine oval Crest engraved on Iron in a closed back Gold setting, the central shield with three spikes and above is a Knights helm with three ostrich plumes and a further spike above and foliate scrolling filling the outer areas. The Iron Crest is set within a Gold bezel and the shoulders and outer shank are enamelled in black with a hatched design. There is slight wear on the enamel at the back, but this is minimal. The inscription within reads: “presented to G.W.Rabett ESQ.R.N. by the Russian Admirals Flag Lt. after the battle of Navarino 21 Oct. 1827” I assume that this Crest is the Russian Admiral’s own and as such, quite a high tribute to G Rabett. There is a Gold mark on the reverse of the bezel which looks like z2 and a faint makers mark. I am told that the battle of Navarino was the defeat of the combined Turkish and Egyptian fleets by the British, Russian and French forces, which created the opportunity for Greece to end the Ottoman domination and gain her independence.

Don’t you believe it! Out of every ten thousand Signet Rings made in Yellow Gold, there might be one order for the family Crest to be carved in Platinum. This was the ‘new metal’ in the 1900’s, especially for Gem set jewellery, except of course for the Russians, who in the 1860’s had been using the worthless metal for drainpipes, Samovars and trays. I remember as recently as 1988, a certain famous London auction house was still selling the occasional Samovar, eight metal beakers, all on a tray, catalogued as metal with an estimate of £100-£150. I wonder when they eventually discovered that they melted for £4000. Certainly the dealers would never tell them! This Ring is carved with an arm wearing a doublet sleeve with a lace cuff and what I think is a Tudor Rose and is holding aloft a ships anchor and the inner shank is clearly stamped FINE PLAT. This excellent Ring is best for the little finger and its look is enhanced if you can find a Platinum and Diamond Eternity Ring to wear with it on the same finger. A slender modern one is quite acceptable because you will have difficulty in finding a period one to fit and if you do, it will probably be very worn on the sides and will soon start to loose stones. English Circa 1910.

(I wonder if the Tudor Arm and Anchor part Crest are anything to do with the families of Sir Francis Drake or Sir Walter Raleigh?)

This Ring has been in my private collection since 1988 and is the second of my personal Rings to be offered for sale on my website (see CS 080 for reasons) The antique Transvaal Jade Intaglio is set in a later Gold ring mount. The stone is cut in an unusual way, with a curved top which is carved with a Spur with Feathered Wings and is in a fine rub over setting and in excellent condition. The Ring’s shoulders are plain and the inner shank is stamped C.G.& S. and hallmarked for Birmingham 18ct Gold and date letter for 1967 Christopher confirms that Transvaal Jade is not Jade at all and is in fact a Grossular Garnet. It is an attractive light Apple colour and when first discovered, was thought to be Jade, so the name stuck. This Ring entered my collection because it is an interesting shape, it fits, and I have not seen a Transvaal Jade Intaglio before or since. The Intaglio circa 1870, the 18ct Ring Mount 1967 .

A Georgian White Chalcedony And Gold Ring. The Chalcedony Intaglio carved with a rampant long whiskered Leopard and above is a motto “VIRTUTE NON VI”. A neat Gold bezel with slightly stepped shoulders to an open circle motif and fluted shank which is unmarked and tests as 18ct Gold. This charming little Ring has been in my possession since 1977 and I have had much pleasure in wearing it from time to time. However, my personal collection has grown considerably so I have resolved that for every new Ring I keep, I will put two of my collection out for sale until some sort of balance is achieved, this Georgian Ring being the first piece offered. English circa 1815

A Victorian Black Onyx Intaglio and Gold Ring. The oval Onyx carved with the image of a wild Boar and set in the “along the finger” position, to a substantial plain Gold mount and shank, with maker’s mark but no gold mark. Tests as 18ct Gold. English circa 1880

A late Victorian bloodstone Intaglio, carved with the winged horse, Pegasus. The mount with plain shoulders and shank, the inner band with rubbed marks, testing as 9ct Gold. English circa 1890

An English Bloodstone and Gold ring, the oval crested Bloodstone depicting a knights arm and fist holding aloft a dagger, in a later Gold mount with plain shoulders. The inner shank fully hallmarked for Birmingham, 18ct Gold, the Bloodstone Intaglio circa. 1880

A Victorian English Carnelian and Gold ring. The cut cornered rectangular crested Carnelian depicting a foliage entwined knights arm and fist holding aloft a dagger on which is impaled a wild boars head. The inner shank stamped with an old 9ct Gold mark. Circa. 1890

An Victorian English Bloodstone and Gold ring. The circular crested Bloodstone depicting a hind with an arrow piercing its neck, the mount with plain shoulders. The inner shank unmarked and tests as 18ct Gold. Circa. 1880

An early Victorian Gold and hexagonal cut Amethyst Intaglio Ring. The Amethyst is carved with an Owl perched on a branch this being the attribute of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and in all classical carvings she is always in the company of an Owl, hence our modern saying “ the wise old Owl” The stone is in an elegant channel set bezel with a rounded closed back and slender shoulders and shank. The unmarked Gold tests as 18 carat and the Ring is in fine condition. English circa 1840

A Victorian English banded Agate and Gold memorial ring. The oval banded Agate carved Intaglio of a running horse in 'along the finger' position. The outer shank enameled 'in memoriam' in alternating red and black gothic capitals, each letter within a hexagonal black enamel frame with white enamel highlights between each. The reverse of the head contains a glazed locket containing mauve material. The inner shank inscribed 'JOSEPH STRAKER OBT. 13 OCT 1867 AT 33' Fully Hallmarked for London, 18ct Gold.

A most attractive Georgian Intaglio of a Greyhound, carved in an Almandine Garnet* of an unusual shape and later set in an early Victorian ring mount, unmarked and testing as 18 carat Gold. I have the good fortune to own a similar Ring, also with a dog (Wolfhound) Intaglio, which I have had in my private collection for at least fifteen years, so you can judge that they do not appear often. Intaglio circa 1770, Ring Mount circa 1850

*Almandine Garnet. Because in some lights the stone looks mauve, it can be confused with Amethyst

A Victorian English Gold ring, the oval top crested with a shield and a winged knights helmet. The motifs within the shield are a sword, a figure with star above and a serpent around a staff. Plain shoulders and the inner shank stamped 18ct for 18 carat Gold, circa 1900

An Bloodstone and Gold ring, the oval crested Bloodstone would appear to be Greek. Within the centre shield is a double headed bird, a cross, a hat with crossed rifles above, Cyrillic writing on an inner shield and a motto above the bird, with a plain shoulder mount. The inner shank is stamped '750' the continental mark for 18ct Gold. The Greek crested Bloodstone circa 1880

A Victorian English Agate and Gold ring. The oval crested brown Agate depicting a cockerel in standing position with raised tail, mounted in 18ct Gold with plain shoulders and closed back setting (there are three small abrasions on the outer shank which look like work related knocks) The inner shank fully hallmarked for London, 18ct Gold, date letter for 1890

A Victorian English Bloodstone and Gold ring. The oval Bloodstone is crested with a castellated crown with an emerging rampant lion holding a battleaxe, the mount with plain shoulders, the inner shank fully hallmarked for 18ct Gold, date letter is rubbed, circa 1890

A Victorian English Lapis Lazuli and Gold ring. The oval Lapis crested with a striding dragon holding a long handled axe or pike, the hollow Gold mount with broad plain shoulders, the inner shank unmarked but testing as 15ct Gold. Circa 1870

A rectangular cut cornered Bloodstone Intaglio in a closed back Gold ring mount. The Intaglio is set running up the finger. It is engraved with the following, in the lower right hand side is a building which I think is a church, on the center left is a cross, the end of each equal length arm has a right angled bar terminal and each quarter of the cross is engraved with a four pointed star. In the 'sky' above them is a six pointed star, the star of Bethlehem. Higher above the church cross and star are engraved letters which is Hebrew for Jerusalem. I am told (by a very sweet and elderly lady) that this ring belonged to Joanna Southcott who was thought to be a prophet and went to heaven in 1814 AD, leaving a box of writings which, I understand, has never been opened because it may reveal some great happening for the world. This ring is in good condition and dating from circa 1810 although I suspect that the Bloodstone is considerably earlier.

A 19^thCentury Nephrite and Gold ring. The oval Nephrite crested with the sun in splendor above a chalice, both within a central shield, and above, a sailing vessel with 3 masts to a Gold ring mount with Plain shoulders and narrow shank, unmarked, testing as 14ct Gold. The Nephrite Intaglio, possibly Spanish circa 1820

A superb example of an English Victorian heraldic crested Bloodstone ring. The Gold acanthus and floral engraving is of the highest quality and continues around the shank and bezel. The full coat of arms carved in the Bloodstone has the motto 'TENAX ET FIDELIS', various devices in the shield and above a knights helm, acanthus scrolls, and at the top, the head an neck of a creature with three long whiskers or spines. The mount tests as 18ct Gold, circa 1840. I have only come across three other Victorian heraldic rings of this quality in more than twenty years in the antique jewellery business.

A rather special Gold crested Intaglio ring. The oval top with a central shield containing three flower heads on a hatched ground. On either side of the shield are two standing lions and above, a nine pointed coronet. On each shoulder, a snarling leopard holding down a serpent with its paw. The outer shank with an eagles head stamp being the French assay mark for 18ct Gold. French circa 1880

A Victorian English Citrine crested signet ring of shield shape, carved with a heart above, the words 'De MON', and below a musical stave, the translation of the crest I think is 'Music of My Heart'. Plain shouldered mount and shank in unmarked 18ct Gold. English circa 1870

An English Victorian Lapis Lazuli and Gold ring. The Lapis carved with the head of a bearded man with three ostrich plumes in his cap, this being the principal part of the family crest. The mount with plain shoulders and shank, the inner shank hallmarked with '18' and the crown and a date letter, town mark lost by sizing. Circa 1880

A substantial Gold crested signet ring. The central quartered shield with two chevrons and two pikes and above the shield, a knights helmet with long scroll work on either side. This ring comes from the same English aristocratic family as item number CS028, with the difference of the coronet on the ladies ring and the knights helmet on the mans ring. This ring has thick trefoil decorated shoulder, with a line of decreasing Gold pellets and on the outer edges, a design of half scrolls running part way around the shank. Unmarked Gold, resting as 18ct. English circa 1880

A Bloodstone and Gold ring. the oval Bloodstone crested with three joined knights legs with below, the motto: 'COELESTEM SPERO CORONAM' in a later 9ct Gold ring mount with plain shoulders. The inner shank fully hallmarked for Birmingham, 9ct Gold, date letter for 1964. The Bloodstone crest, English, Victorian, circa 1880

A Victorian English Gold and Citrine Intaglio ring. The rectangular Citrine, a very pleasant soft lemon colour, carved with the unlikely subject of a mound of large rocks with, at the base a long haired dog, lying attentively with slightly raised head. The motto around the scene reads 'faithful and firm'. The mount with broad plain shoulders to a narrow tapered shank, unmarked and testing as 18ct Gold, circa 1880

A 19th Century, Gold and Bloodstone signet ring. The oval Bloodstone carved with a shield with a central hatched ground and above is a knights crowned helmet from which arises a spread winged bird with three feathers above. From behind the helmet, foliate scrolls descend around this shield and rise above the helm. In a later plain shouldered ring mount, unmarked and testing as 14ct Gold. Spanish, circa 1870

An intaglio Sapphire and Gold signet ring. The slightly ovoid light cornflower blue Sapphire crested with a large pair of wings, with, at centre, a small letter 's'. Above the wings are a caduceus crossed with a needle and two winged hats of Apollo, the messenger of the Gods. The Sapphire is in a splendid Gold mount with overlapping Gold leaves on the shoulders which extend all around the bezel. There is no Gold mark and the ring tests as 18ct Gold. I am told that this ring belonged to a wealthy Russian Aristocrat and friend of the Tsar, who left Russia in 1916 and took up residence in the UK. I will add to this when more information comes in from the family. Russian, circa 1890

A 19th Century Steel and gold ring. The steel in closed back setting, engraved with a crest comprising a knights helmet adorned with trumpets and leaves and acanthus scrolls around the shield below. The shield ground with pricked and horizontal hatched decoration. The ring shoulders with a triple ridge design to a plain unmarked shank testing as 18ct Gold. Spanish, circa 1850

A French 19th Century Steel intaglio and gold ring. The steel carved with a crest, a royal crown above a shield. within the shield a central fleur-de-lys and above, twin five pointed stars and below, a mound with two flowers in bloom. The shoulders of the ring are most attractive, comprising five stiff leaves which spread to meet the bezel edge and have a double Gold 'tie' at the lower shoulder. The five 'stems' continue around the shank. On the outer shank is a faint French Gold mark for 18ct Gold. French, circa 1840

A heavy 19th Century Gold intaglio ring. The central rectangle carved with the crest of a marquis, a nine-pointed coronet above a shield, which is quartered with two swords and two flags with stars and horseshoes. The outer margin of the rectangular top with a fine black enamel frame, double step Gold shoulders and a further black enamel geometric pattern below the shoulders. The outer shank stamped with a French 'Hibou' (owl) mark, the French government guarantee of 18ct Gold. French, circa 1890

A Brown Agate intaglio of the Philosopher Socrates, bearded, bald and with tilted nose, looking left. I find it very difficult to date this stone and this includes opinions I have sought (Can you contribute ? I will acknowledge) It is deeply engraved for such a small stone and with a fine polish and gives a good impression with Blu-Tac™. Mid 18^th century seems the general thought, but if I find the stone is far earlier and rare as a consequence, I will add the information as a rider but will not increase the price. Socrates was born in Athens in 469 BC and admirers of his philosophy have worn his image since soon after his death in 401 BC. I wonder if Charles Darwin was a descendent of Socrates, they seem to have many facial characteristics in common. The stone is in a thick rub over Gold bezel to a narrow rounded shank which has a rubbed Gold mark on the outer edge which I suspect is 19th century French. The Gold tests as 18ct. Please be aware that this is a small size ring although it can be easily enlarged. Intaglio circa 1750

A Gold crested intaglio ring. The central shield with a portcullis and on either side are winged griffons. Above is the motto 'Posse Quod Quod Oportet Ville Velle'. Plain shoulder and unmarked shank testing as 18ct Gold. Country of origin unknown. Circa 1900

An 18^th Century portrait of a handsome lady in the antique Hellenistic style, carved Intaglio in Lapis Lazuli. The reverse of the stone is engraved ٠AN٠ that are either the initials of the subject or those of the artist. The Lapis portrait is set across the finger in a later heavy Gold ring mount with rounded shoulders and bezel. Unmarked and testing as 18ct Gold. English, circa 1750

I do not know if any residual force or power can be felt or experienced by wearing an item that formerly belonged to a person of strong personality and leadership, but if so, then this ring would be a very good example. I am told that this Aquamarine intaglio ring was worn and cherished by Mable Barltrop, who in 1919 was told by God that she was his daughter and the second coming of Christ would take place in Bedford, England, which was the original site of the Garden of Eden. She was told that it was her responsibility and duty to prepare for this event. Mable took the name Octavia and founded a genteel association called the Panacea Society, which exists to this day. Octavia's Aquamarine ring dates from the early 19th Century, so it was probably a family heirloom. The ring has beautiful Gold work with an engraved setting edge and lovely scrolling gallery and engraved shoulders, all in unmarked 18ct gold. The intaglio is the head of Apollo (the messenger God) facing left and wearing his winged helmet. Aquamarine is a stone rarely used in engraving. English circa 1830.

A classic Gold crested intaglio signet ring, engraved with the arms of Buchanan, comprising a shield and above, a rampant lion on a field. Within the shield are three boars heads separated by a chevron which contains a wild rose and at the top of the shield is the name Buchanan. The reverse of the head is stamped with an old 18ct mark and the makers device. It has also been later engraved 21.8.71. A friend tells me that this is the most comfortable ring he has ever tried on. Scottish, circa 1930

A Victorian Gold and Bloodstone intaglio ring. The oval Bloodstone carved with a long horned and bearded Goat, standing and looking to the right. The ring mount has plain shoulders and shank, within which is the makers mark and full hallmark for London 18ct Gold and date letter for 1862.

An exceptional Regency period carved Emerald intaglio portrait ring, the quality of which is rarely seen other than in museums or when renowned collections are on public view. The old mine Indian Emerald would have started life as a 16^th or 17^th century drilled bead, as evidenced by the remains of a drill line on the reverse. A gem engraver has carved, in the Classical style, the portrait of a beauty from the Court of King George III. She is facing right, with her braided hair and her garment gathered at the neck. This rare carved gemstone is mounted in an octagonal Gold bezel with channeled border, to angled tapering shoulders and shank. English circa 1800

A Victorian ovoid Sapphire intaglio ring of good colour, the gem engraved with a dragons head emerging from a castellated crown and below this, a shield with three flighted arrows on a matt ground. The bezel has a solid ribbed gallery and the shoulders have leaf and double scroll decoration in relief. Within the shank is a faint inscription with a readable date, June 1901. The Sapphire has a single facet around the outer edge and most unusually, a cabochon reverse, which makes me think that the stone is probably much older than the dated gold mount. There is a small natural inclusion in the sapphire which is not noticed with the naked eye, which rises to the surface at 2 o'clock and there is a tiny nick at the setting edge, also not noticed. English circa 1900 and earlier

A Georgian oval banded Carnelian intaglio of a heavy jawed young man, facing left and wearing a laurel crown and the toga cloth around his neck. At this time I am not able to say if this is an image of a Roman Emperor or one of our Royals. Most European countries up until the 1850’s very often portrayed their Nobles and Heads of State in the Classical manner, the best known being Napoleon, often sculptured as a Roman Emperor. The stone is set in a later well proportioned mid 19^th century Gold ring mount, unmarked and testing as 18ct Gold. This is a small finger size ring, the intaglio circa 1780.