DATE: Georgian, c.1830

Superb Georgian cameo ring depicting Psyche, Greek goddess of the soul. Although born a mortal woman, Psyche was ultimately deified on Mount Olympus at the request of her husband, Eros. Theirs is one of the most famous love stories of all time, and certainly one of the most captivating from the ancient Greek mythos. She's depicted here with a pale of water from the Styx, part of her third of four tasks set her by Aphrodite - Eros's mother - after she upset him by gazing upon his face. If I recall correctly, the Eagle of Zeus helped her out during this task. The cameo is intricately detailed, carved from a single piece of onyx, and mounted in an early 19th century signet ring mount, circa 1830.

STONES 

Onyx cameo

MEASUREMENTS 

Head: 1.7 x 1.1cm

Width of band: 5.6mm

WEIGHT 

12.8g

MARKS 

French 18k gold control marks

CONDITION 

Very good, with fine antique patina