Minoan Carved Carnelian Intaglio In 18ct Gold Georgian Ring

A rare ancient carnelian​A translucent red variety of chalcedony which in its turn is a form of cryptocrystalline quartz. ​Carnelian has​ been known and used since antiquity when it was sourced from the surfaces of the Egyptian and Arabian deserts. The ​most prized carnelian has a true blood-red color. intaglioAn engraved stone, the opposite of a cameo, with a recessed design cut below the surface of the stone. Intaglio designs are common for signet rings and fob seals. depicting Minotaurus attacking a youth. Minotaurus was a monster with a human body and a bull’s head. He is said to have been the offspring of Pasiphaë and the bull sent from the sea to Minos, who shut him up in the Cnossian labyrinth, and fed him with the bodies of the youths and maidens whom the Athenians at fixed times were obliged to send to Minos as tribute. The monster was finally slain by Theseus. It is set in a Roman setting in 18ct75% pure gold (or 750 parts pure gold and 250 parts other metals) gold made circa 1820 when the Grand Tour was in full swing and such early treasures were set in ring mounts and sold to the tourists.