19th Century Gold Ring with an Roman Nicolo Intaglio of a Horse.

High Carat Gold Ring Set with a Roman Nicolo Intaglio Depicting a Horse before a Tree

Roman intaglio, 1st–2nd century AD, set in a 19th century mount.

Measurements
• Ring size: UK M / US 6.25 / EU 53.
• Intaglio: 1.2 × 1 cm.
• Weight: 5.35 grams.

A fine nicolo intaglio of dark blue layered chalcedony, engraved with the figure of a horse standing before a stylised tree, within which perch two birds. The scene is executed with elegant linear precision, the musculature of the horse rendered with subtle contouring. The intaglio dates to the early Imperial Roman period, 1st–2nd century AD.

The gem is mounted in a 19th century high carat gold ring of broad, flat-shouldered form, engraved with floral and scrollwork motifs, now largely softened through wear, a testament to the affection with which this jewel was worn. The nicolo’s two-tone effect, with its pale upper layer and darker ground, enhances the depth and clarity of the intaglio engraving.