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- Antique Early 19th Century Vinaigrette Ring with Roman Intaglio of Goddess Fortuna
Antique Early 19th Century Vinaigrette Ring with Roman Intaglio of Goddess Fortuna
Antique Early 19th Century Vinaigrette Ring with Roman Intaglio of Goddess Fortuna
Hidden Intrigue
An ancient carnelian intaglio, set in an early 19th-century gold mount — but not just any intaglio, and certainly not just any setting. Look closely, and layers of history and surprise begin to reveal themselves.
The intaglio, dating from around the 1st–3rd century CE, portrays Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck and fate, holding her timeless emblems: the cornucopia, for abundance, and the rudder, for guidance. In the 18th and 19th centuries, aristocratic travelers on Grand Tour would often mount such ancient treasures into fashionable jewels as souvenirs.
This particular mounting is a work of art in itself — richly engraved with scrolling foliate motifs. And then comes the true surprise — the bezel is discreetly hinged. Lift it, and a finely pierced vinaigrette grille and compartment are revealed —once intended to hold a scented sponge, warding off unpleasant odors in an age before modern hygiene. Today, it can carry your favorite perfume or even a miniature keepsake. We do love a jewel with a secret compartment!
This is a rare treasure bridging two worlds — the intrigue of classical Rome and the elegance of the Neo-Classical Regency era. As beautiful as it is, this ring is also functional and very much of the period. We absolutely adore!
Chain shown is not included.
Unmarked.
15k to 18k gold (testing varies slightly at different spots, not uncommon in hand-mixed antique alloys), carnelian.
Dimensions and weight:
● 14.5 mm long x 11.3 wide on the intaglio in its setting
● 4.2 grams
● Ring size US 5.25
Period: Regency and Ancient
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. Inclusions are visible in the stone; these are natural characteristics and not damage or defects.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
Hidden Intrigue
An ancient carnelian intaglio, set in an early 19th-century gold mount — but not just any intaglio, and certainly not just any setting. Look closely, and layers of history and surprise begin to reveal themselves.
The intaglio, dating from around the 1st–3rd century CE, portrays Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck and fate, holding her timeless emblems: the cornucopia, for abundance, and the rudder, for guidance. In the 18th and 19th centuries, aristocratic travelers on Grand Tour would often mount such ancient treasures into fashionable jewels as souvenirs.
This particular mounting is a work of art in itself — richly engraved with scrolling foliate motifs. And then comes the true surprise — the bezel is discreetly hinged. Lift it, and a finely pierced vinaigrette grille and compartment are revealed —once intended to hold a scented sponge, warding off unpleasant odors in an age before modern hygiene. Today, it can carry your favorite perfume or even a miniature keepsake. We do love a jewel with a secret compartment!
This is a rare treasure bridging two worlds — the intrigue of classical Rome and the elegance of the Neo-Classical Regency era. As beautiful as it is, this ring is also functional and very much of the period. We absolutely adore!
Chain shown is not included.
Unmarked.
15k to 18k gold (testing varies slightly at different spots, not uncommon in hand-mixed antique alloys), carnelian.
Dimensions and weight:
● 14.5 mm long x 11.3 wide on the intaglio in its setting
● 4.2 grams
● Ring size US 5.25
Period: Regency and Ancient
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. Inclusions are visible in the stone; these are natural characteristics and not damage or defects.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
