What is an intaglio ring?

An intaglio ring features a gemstone engraved with an incised image cut below the surface. Historically used to press personal signatures or coats of arms into sealing wax, these carved stones frequently depicted classical profiles and mythological scenes.

What materials were traditionally used for intaglio rings?

Intaglios were commonly carved from quartz minerals such as carnelian, jasper, chalcedony, and onyx due to their hardness and fine grain. Settings were typically crafted from high-karat yellow gold or silver to ensure stability and durability.

How can you identify authentic 19th-century intaglios?

Authentic nineteenth-century intaglios exhibit hand-carving marks visible under magnification, characteristic period wear on high points, and traditional collet or bezel settings. Hallmarks on the gold mount and natural gemstone inclusions also help establish authenticity.

How should antique intaglio rings be styled or displayed?

Intaglio rings can be worn as statement jewellery pieces or curated within specialized velvet display trays for collectors. Their classical motifs complement both contemporary tailoring and vintage attire.

How do you care for a carnelian intaglio ring?

Clean carnelian intaglio rings using mild soapy water and a soft-bristled brush, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemical solutions. Store separately in a fabric-lined box to prevent the gemstone surface from scratching against harder materials.

for sale €2,165 $2,350

£1,850

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Antique 18k Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Side Profile Gentleman - 19th Century.

Name: Antique 18k Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Side Profile Gentleman - 19th Century.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1223576
Price: 1850 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this captivating antique 18ct gold carnelian intaglio ring made during the early/mid-19th century.

The ring is set with a central carnelian intaglio (possibly an earlier carving) of a gentleman in portrait and has been ever so intricately hand-engraved with impressive detail.

Imagining the time, skill and focus required to engrave such a stone (inwards), leaving such a crisp and lifelike portrait is truly remarkable with these pieces. A close inspection around the gentleman's hair, beard, and shoulder seams of his shirt reveals an exceptional depth of detail, particularly considering the entire surface only measures 1.8cm x 1.4cm.

The tone of gold is a lovely antique warm hue with a very slight hint of rose gold, which complements the colour of the carnelian intaglio and presents an overall very classically antique and distinguished appearance (Please note the shank of the ring appears to have been resoldered/later at some point).

This ring is marked 18ct on the inner surface of the shank.

Owing to its understated yet sophisticated colour and design, it could be worn with a variety of accessories, whether worn as a contrasting piece of jewellery among other pieces or as a single ring and point of interest. A lovely piece for antique intaglio lovers, bound to be a conversation starter and a wonderful manner to express your passion for antique jewellery and history.

All of our jewellery comes with a complimentary hard-shell gift box with a velvet interior.

Size & Total Weight

UK Size: P

US Size: 7.5

5.63g/0.181 troy oz

Condition: good antique condition with no major issues or damage - one section on the top mount has degraded/missing around the bezel as can be seen in the images. There is, however, no movement of the stone.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please kindly refer to the photos for further details.

*Please note: all other items are for display purposes only and this listing is for the item listed in the title only.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1223576

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this captivating antique 18ct gold carnelian intaglio ring made during the early/mid-19th century.

“

The ring is set with a central carnelian intaglio (possibly an earlier carving) of a gentleman in portrait and has been ever so intricately hand-engraved with impressive detail.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. Antique 18k Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Side Profile Gentleman - 19th Century.

Imagining the time, skill and focus required to engrave such a stone (inwards), leaving such a crisp and lifelike portrait is truly remarkable with these pieces. A close inspection around the gentleman's hair, beard, and shoulder seams of his shirt reveals an exceptional depth of detail, particularly considering the entire surface only measures 1.8cm x 1.4cm.

fig 2. Antique 18k Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Side Profile Gentleman - 19th Century.

The tone of gold is a lovely antique warm hue with a very slight hint of rose gold, which complements the colour of the carnelian intaglio and presents an overall very classically antique and distinguished appearance (Please note the shank of the ring appears to have been resoldered/later at some point).

fig 3. Antique 18k Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Side Profile Gentleman - 19th Century.

This ring is marked 18ct on the inner surface of the shank.

Owing to its understated yet sophisticated colour and design, it could be worn with a variety of accessories, whether worn as a contrasting piece of jewellery among other pieces or as a single ring and point of interest. A lovely piece for antique intaglio lovers, bound to be a conversation starter and a wonderful manner to express your passion for antique jewellery and history.

fig 4. Antique 18k Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Side Profile Gentleman - 19th Century.

All of our jewellery comes with a complimentary hard-shell gift box with a velvet interior.

Size & Total Weight

UK Size: P

US Size: 7.5

5.63g/0.181 troy oz

Condition: good antique condition with no major issues or damage - one section on the top mount has degraded/missing around the bezel as can be seen in the images. There is, however, no movement of the stone.

fig 5. Antique 18k Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Side Profile Gentleman - 19th Century.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please kindly refer to the photos for further details.

fig 6. Antique 18k Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Side Profile Gentleman - 19th Century.

Please note: all other items are for display purposes only and this listing is for the item listed in the title only.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

fig 7. Antique 18k Gold Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Side Profile Gentleman - 19th Century.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.