Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A beautiful silver ring with a carnelian intaglio that features an incised scorpion on its face. The carnelian stone is a rich fiery orange-red, presents with marvelous translucence, and is cut to an overall octagonal shape. The silver shank presents an attractive angular form. Carved Greek or Roman stones were highly valued, and the scorpion was long regarded as a protective amulet - believed to cure poisoning. Furthermore, as a symbol of the Zodiac Scorpio sign, it was also associated with water. Because of this, the Scorpio was believed to have a cooling effect - hence the power to reduce high fevers. A wonderful work of wearable art that the ancients believed was imbued with the power to cure! What's more, the silver is very fine grade - 97% - even higher than sterling silver. Ring size 6.75; intaglio measures .375" L x .3" W (1 cm x 0.8 cm); total weight: 6.4 grams

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection

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#135206

  • Condition: One chip to the intaglio at the upper end of the Scorpio, but the remaining form is still quite vivid. Normal tarnish to the silver. Small area of encrustation on the shank as shown.

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September 13, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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