Onyx Cameo Portrait Ring

A gorgeous antique ring featuring a carved agate cameo portrait of a bearded gentleman, facing to the right. This handsome fellow is depicted in the white portion of banded white agate, while the backdrop of the cameo is the solid black portion of the agate. The oval-shaped agate cameo is framed by a 14 karat yellow golden bezel, with a delicate milgrain accent surrounding. The shoulders of the ring each feature a geometric flourish, each accented in a dip of white gold, which leads to a second set of geometric shoulder details, completing in a simple half-round band. Rings of this style were often crafted to reference historic figures (particularly William Shakespeare and Greek and Roman philosophers) as well as portraits of contemporary people, often known and beloved to the owner of the jewel. I love the more modern details of this ring: the suit and necktie, the beard and hair details, as well as the handsome profile!

More details:

Top gallery (cameo and bezel) measures 19.1mm tall and 14.9mm wide. Setting rises 7.6mm off the finger. At back of ring, narrowest part of ring shank measures 1.6mm.

Ring size 6.75 / UK N 1/2. If needed, this ring may be sized either up or down a few sizes by your jeweler. 

Very good antique condition. There is a minute fleabite at one edge of the onyx; this is visible in close up photos near the top (approximately 11 o’clock) of the cameo. There is also a tiny indent mark on the side of the bezel of the ring; also visible in photos. Back of the intaglio is engraved with the letter “V.”

14k (stamped)

5.1 grams

This ring will be shipped in a luxe, custom-made velvet and grosgrain ribbon ring box. Shown in last image are a sample of the variety of colors and shapes; one will be selected for you.