Payment

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Discover
  • Meta Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa

Shipping

Rates are approximations. Exact rates will be provided at checkout.

Early Victorian Doves of Pliny Carnelian Intaglio Conversion Ring

Regular price $758.00
Unit price
per 

Graceful, friendly and docile, it's no surprise that doves have become symbolic with peace, friendship and the bringing of hope.

While these majestic feathered creatures were a beloved jewelry motif in the Georgian and Victorian eras -- appearing on everything from brooches to watch fobs --  artisans have been capturing their likeness for centuries. 

This exquisite ring is a bit of a history book in and of itself! The story begins with this beautiful rusty red carnelian intaglio, expertly hand carved to portray the iconic Doves of Pliny.

Commonly appearing as the subject of many 18th and 19th century micromosaics, the Doves of Pliny imagery comes from the Roman floor mosaic discovered in 1737 at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli.

However, historians believe the unearthed Roman mosaic is actually a copy of a lost ancient Greek mosaic at Pergamon dating back to 77AD and described by Pliny the Elder in his book, "Natural History." Hence the name Doves of Pliny!

This intaglio hails from the late Georgian/early Victorian era and most likely began its life as a watch fob. Somewhere in its almost 200-year journey, it was converted into this enchanting ring.

The ring has a 14k shank with a 10k frame holding the intaglio in place.

Additional Details
Date: 1820s-1830s
Materials: 14k gold, 10k gold, carnelian
Size: 6
Markings: None
Condition: Very Good
Carnelian and gold band have faint surface scratches consistent with age and wear. There are two small edge chips on the stone, which may have occurred during its conversion. There is an internal crack in the stone, which has not breached the surface and does not affect the integrity of the piece.
Cleaning and Care
Clean gently with warm soap and water and a soft bristled brush. Lightly polish with a jewelry polishing cloth, if needed. 

Payment

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Discover
  • Meta Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa

Shipping

Rates are approximations. Exact rates will be provided at checkout.