The 18th Century saw an increase in the use of diamonds and colored glass in jewelry, especially those intended to be worn in candlelight. Intaglios also enjoyed resurgence, encouraging master gem engravers to create works of art, which equaled or even rivaled those of Ancient Greece and Rome. This beautiful intaglio depicts the Goddess Athena with her trademark shield and her arm cocked back ready to throw her spear. Homer describes how Athena took off the finely-wrought robe 'which she herself had made' and I armed herself for grievous war.' She played a dual role as both goddess of war and Reason, skilled at making clothes and fearless in battle. She thus embodied the traditional virtues of both sexes. Seen here with her cloak fluttering in the wind, the gorgeous yellow stone illuminates her as if bathed in the sun’s light; creating an almost supernatural effect as befits a goddess. To wear this wonderful ring links the past with the present, combining myth and elegance that is both classic and very modern.