This Genuine Ancient Seal Has Been Set in a Modern 18 Karat White Gold Rin
The art of glyptics, or carving on colored precious stones, is probably one of the oldest known to humanity. Intaglios, gems with an incised design, were made as early as the fourth and third millennia B.C. in Mesopotamia and the Aegean Islands. They exhibit a virtuosity of execution that suggests an old and stable tradition rooted in the earliest centuries. The tools required for carving gems were simple: a wheel with a belt-drive and a set of drills. Abrasives were necessary since the minerals used were too hard for a metal edge. A special difficulty of engraving intaglios, aside from their miniature size, was that the master had to work with a mirror-image in mind.

The image of a muse has been carved onto the polished surface of this precious gemstone. The muses were a group of nine sisters who rule over the arts and sciences in Greek mythology. The daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory, they were believed to inspire all artists, especially poets, philosophers, and musicians. This muse appears to be holding a tablet in her hands. This attribute suggests the identification of either Calliope or Clio. Calliope, the celebrated mother of the tragic figure of Orpheus who governed over epic poetry, is the most famous of the sisters. Clio presided over historical and heroic poetry. Both are represented holding tablets; thus the difficulty in determining her identity. However, one need not know the name of the muse in order to be inspired by this gorgeous ring. Imagine that such a seal might have once been bestowed upon a great Roman poet as a gift. Could it be possible that this intaglio was once the prized possession of Virgil or Horace? Truly the muses continue to work their wonders today as we are already inspired just thinking of the possibilities.