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.

Good antique condition with wear to stone and gold. The centre portion of one shoulder has been bent out of place, but we have decided to leave it as is rather than risk damaging the gemstone in attempting a repair. This doesn't affect the wearability of the ring, but has been factored into the pricing.

Details:
• 18k yellow gold, stamped and tested
• Approximately size 2 7/8-3 (slightly out of round) and could be resized within one size with great caution
• One oval lapis lazuli, engraved with a mirror-image monogram of the letters CC
• Face of ring measures 11.3mm wide, 10mm across, with a rise of 3.6mm; back of band measures 2mm wide and 0.7mm thick
• 3.6g