Crisp Hardstone Crest Ring

A breathtaking signet ring with an expertly carved intaglio depicting a pair of swords (or possibly daggers) crossed, or in saltire, under a ducal coronet (a type of crown). While we haven't been able to match this pair of symbols with a known crest, individually the components are frequently seen and together they make a striking duo. Intaglio - the carving of designs into the flat surface of a stone, is a near lost art. While the practice goes back millennia, as signets have ceased to be used in their original function of sealing in the last 100-150 years and have become mostly decorative, the specialty has fallen away with most signets being engraved in metal only now. There remains an active pocket of experts in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, and we eagerly watch as a handful of independent glypticians bring new eyes to the craft.

Very good estate condition with minor wear to stone and gold. 

Details:
• 9k yellow gold, with British hallmarks for London 2022
• Approximately size 3.75 (slightly out of round) and can be resized within one size
• One oval banded agate slab, engraved in intaglio with a pair of crossed swords and a crown
• Face of ring measures 14.6mm wide, 11mm across, with a rise of 2.6mm; back of band measures 3.9mm wide and 1.7mm thick
• 7g