Set in an 18 Karat Gold Rin
Even in the very early periods of Egypt and Mycenaea rings were intended as seals to make impressions upon clay and wax. A ring functioned as a person's signature, taking the place of keys. ln a household, various items would be sealed with the master's ring, including pantry doors and. wine amphora. However, it is their beauty which catches the eye and makes rings a symbol of wealth and dignity. This lovely silver portrait of a woman was an actual ring, and the present gold setting was made in close approximation to the original. It shows a woman of the royal court, possibly Berenice or her daughter Arsinoe. She is proud, noble and dignified; yet her expression is gentle and very feminine. Such rings were used by royal messengers as proof of identity, or given to important members of the court. Whoever next wears this ring connects with the luxury and elegance of the magnificent Hellenistic court of Egypt.