Striking Vintage Bloodstone Monogram Signet

A stunning signet ring with an deftly carved intaglio monogram, engraved in traditional mirror-image in order to function as a seal. 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 near-antique condition with moderate wear to stone and gold. 

Details:
• 18k yellow gold, stamped and tested, with partially obscured British hallmarks for London, likely either 1922 or 1931
• Approximately size 5.25-5.5 (slightly out of round) and could be resized within one size
• One oval bloodstone, engraved with a mirror-image monogram of the letters EJJS
• Face of ring measures 13.4mm wide, 10.6mm across, with a rise of 3.5mm; back of band measures 2.5mm wide and 1.2mm thick
• 8.2g