While general categories of use can be identified, this makes it difficult to determine what specific rings were used for and what they meant to the person who wore them. The significance of intaglio rings was as much symbolic as practical, and the fact that they were worn on the body meant that an intaglio might be used in any context in which the wearer found themselves. On the flip side, Petronius, formerly a close friend of the emperor Nero, made sure to have his signet ring broken before committing suicide so that no one else might use his seal (and therefore his name and authority) after his death. The imagery on an intaglio ring could become intimately and publicly associated with the wearer - for example, Augustus’ sphinx seal was well-known during his Principate, and he even left a copy of the ring for his political intimates to use in his name when he was away from Rome. When Marcus Octavius insisted on using his tribunician veto to foil Gracchus’ attempts to hold a vote, Gracchus sealed the public treasury (aerarium) to ensure that the quaestors could not use any money until the vote was held. According to Plutarch, Tiberius Gracchus placed his personal seal upon the doors of the Temple of Saturn during his fight with fellow-tribune Octavius over the passing of his agrarian reform bill. However, references from Roman literature make it clear that anything of value might be sealed, including doors, bottles, and jars. Typically items sealed would be documents or letters, with the wax showing an image associated with the sender while also demonstrating that the item had not been opened. The primary use of these rings - and in Rome they were typically rings, worn on the hands rather than as medallions or brooches - appears to have been for wax sealing. An intaglio ring design was carved backwards into the material by an artisan the design would then appear the right way round when it was impressed into a soft material like wax, leaving a raised indentation. Incised gems recovered from Roman sites boast a wide range of materials, imagery, and symbolism, and appear to have been employed across wealth classes. Intaglios were a fairly common item in the Roman world. There is no scientific or medical evidence that these beliefs have any medical value beyond the placebo effect.Teddy Lewis is a recent Ancient & Modern History graduate with a focus on the Late Republic and early Empire. Within the past few decades, these beliefs have seen a revival in the United States as part of the New Age movement. It has been thought to control bleeding and inflammation, among other things.įor these reasons many people wear bloodstone rings or pendants as a talisman. For at least two thousand years, many people have believed that bloodstone has "healing and protective properties" that are beneficial to people who own it, wear it, or carry it on their person. It has been a popular gemstone for at least two thousand years and has served as the modern birthstone for the month of March since 1912.īloodstone is sometimes referred to as "heliotrope" by European authors and in works of the 18th century and earlier. Please note: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibilityīloodstone is a dark green variety of chalcedony adorned with a splatter of bright red. Please view our Shipping & Delivery Policy for more details All purchases within Australia will be sent via express post as a complimentary service. Prior to purchase, please view our Purchase Guide & Return Policy. Please refer to our guide Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details. Condition will be described, it is the responsibility of the buyer to read descriptions and view photos. Contact us for more details.Īll our items are antique or vintage unless otherwise stated. Laybys available on all items $400 and over. Gold is thick and solid with no thinning. Bloodstone does show surface marks throughout however these marks are very shallow/superficial and hard to see with the naked eye. Wonderfully speckled with flecks or red (iron oxide minerals - most likely hematite) which pop against the deep olive green background this attractive ring would suit any gender and is low rise enough to become your favourite every day stylish ring. One of the most comfortable antique rings we’ve had the pleasure of popping on our fingers this smooth and lush 18ct yellow gold ring is a pleasure to wear.ĭating to the early years of the 20th century and set in low rise fashion with an oval Bloodstone (Heliotrope) with a carved intaglio of what we believe to be a Corinthian pillar rising from the sea. Please note boxes and chains are for display only unless otherwise statedĭESCRIPTION (Please scroll to the bottom to view video)
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