Gold Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring

A gold signet ring set with a carnelian intaglio carved with a classical head in profile. The warm orange-red of the carnelian contrasts beautifully with the rich yellow gold of the mount, which has that substantial, confident form characteristic of traditional signet rings with smoothly tapering shoulders.
Intaglio rings have a history stretching back thousands of years. The design is carved into the stone in reverse, creating a recessed image that would produce a raised impression when pressed into sealing wax. They served as personal identification in an age before signatures became standard. Roman intaglios were particularly prized by Georgian and Victorian collectors, who often had ancient stones mounted into contemporary settings. Whether this intaglio is genuinely ancient or a period revival piece, it represents a tradition of craftsmanship that spans millennia.
Carnelian was the preferred stone for intaglio work due to its hardness and the way it accepts fine detail. The rich orange-red colour was also considered auspicious in many ancient cultures. This example shows the classical subject matter that remained popular throughout the 18th and 19th centuries - the educated gentleman of the period would have appreciated the connection to antiquity.