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Buying antique jewellery is both ethical and eco-friendly as harmful and destructive mining processes are not needed to make an item yours. So give yourself a pat on the back!
Find Out MoreA beautiful ring that was made circa 1800-1820. It features a large carnelianA translucent red variety of chalcedony which in its turn is a form of cryptocrystalline quartz. Carnelian has been known and used since antiquity when it was sourced from the surfaces of the Egyptian and Arabian deserts. The most prized carnelian has a true blood-red color. that has been carved with an intaglioAn engraved stone, the opposite of a cameo, with a recessed design cut below the surface of the stone. Intaglio designs are common for signet rings and fob seals. of Omphale.
In Greek mythology Omphale was the queen of the kingdom of Lydia in Asia Minor.
The story goes that she was the mistress of Heracles (Hercules).
As penalty for his murder of Iphitus, Heracles was, by Zeus’ command, sold as a slave and Omphale became his purchaser. Heracles was forced to do women’s work and even wear women’s clothing and hold a basket of wool while Omphale and her maidens did their spinning. At times Omphale even wore the skin of the Nemean Lion and carried Heracle’s olive-wood club. You can see the lion’s skin on her head in the intaglio.
However having endured many trials the reward for his suffering was to live forever among the Gods on Mount Olympus !
Although fierce and dominant She was undoubtedly very beautiful as is depicted in this intaglio.
The intaglio is in a Roman setting and the shankThe circle of metal that attaches to the decorative part of a ring and encircles the finger. is plain and flares as it meets the top.
An unusual and special ring.
Buying antique jewellery is both ethical and eco-friendly as harmful and destructive mining processes are not needed to make an item yours. So give yourself a pat on the back!
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