Antique Victorian Egyptian Revival Carved Bloodstone Scarab Ring with Classical Reverse Intaglio in 18k Gold, Double Sided, Men's, Signet, Hardstone, Archeological

Of high quality and of exceedingly solid, well calibrated construction, this Victorian Egyptian Revival scarab ring is a chunky, simplified rendition of this extremely popular motif in jewelry and the arts from about the middle of the era onwards; an affinity fueled by contemporary archeological digs and discoveries that were actively unearthing new treasures, many of which were ancient personal adornment. 

The scarab, carved very finely and very shallowly, (with all its minute details very close to the surface,) is rendered from a forest green bloodstone; dappled throughout with its namesake red flecks. Note the incredible precision and detail to each of the legs visible on either side of the cabochon! 

As with many similar examples of 19th century Archeological Revival pieces, the scarab has been set like a bead, with a small hole piercing through its center; a call back to, and an echo of, ancient rings set in this style. The hardstone insect, in this particular case, has been set quite firmly and securely by means of a nicely thick golden bar: this spans the bead's interior gap, and stays affixed by two little terminating golden balls, one to either vertical end. 

The stone is the focus of this piece with the central oval beetle set in the most minimal of fashions: framed simply by a recessed, set back  bezel, but raised high on the finger by a plain, undecorated solid gallery; all in warm, old 18k gold. This design gives way to sculpted and structural shoulders, with notches so deep they are indented, and a wide, comfortable shank. Perhaps originally intended as a gentleman's ring, it is reminiscent in style to the contemporaneous & wildly popular signet rings of the day.

To the reverse of the stone there is a deeply incised intaglio depicting a male figure from Classical mythology, perhaps Hermes. 

In excellent antique condition. There appears to be some well rubbed and well worn decorative flourishes to the shank, where the band meets the shoulders. They are now very faint though visible to the naked eye. There is a small, well camouflaged chip towards the top of the bug, and a well defined scratch to its back.

It is a size 7.5 and weighs 9 grams. 

Kindly examine the photographs carefully as they are part of the description. Please feel free to request another angle or view if needed.

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Returns and exchanges are accepted within 3 days of delivery date. Item must be shipped within one week of my written confirmation of the return or exchange and its subsequent details. Return shipping must be insured and will be the buyer's responsibility. Items must be received in the same condition as sold/shipped. Any customs/tariffs/import fees/taxes incurred in the purchase are similarly the buyer's responsibility.

Should the buyer fail to pick up the package or provide a correct address for its shipment and it is then subsequently returned to me, there will be a restocking fee of up to 10% to be deducted from the refund. If reshipment is desired, it is available at the buyer's cost.

Items on sale are eligible for returns following the policies outlined above. There will also be a restocking fee of up to 10% to be deducted from the refund.

Products sold as is. The majority of my items are antiques which means they are at least 100 years old and have lived many lives. The rest of my pieces are vintage, pre-worn and pre-loved, unless otherwise noted. Please examine pictures closely as they are part of the description.

Thank you for your taking a look at my lovingly curated selection, and for your ongoing trust and support.