Western Europe, Neoclassical Period, ca. 19th century CE. A remarkable glass intaglio of Solon (630 to 560 BCE), an Athenian statesman, lawmaker, and poet, set in a gold bezel on a platinum and gold ring to be wearable. Boasting a deep hue of black, the rectangular intaglio is skillfully carved with the head of Solon, shown in profile facing left with a wrinkled brow, a sharp nose, small lips, and a protruding chin, all capped by a thick coiffure of course coils. His name is inscribed in Greek lettering above him. The lovely ring is comprised of 4 slender bands: the inner 2 of gold and the outer pair of platinum, while a slender bezel surrounds the intaglio. The monogram "E.J.R." is inscribed on the verso of the bezel, likely representing the initials of the ring's owner. Size (ring): 1.1" W (2.8 cm); (intaglio): 0.5" W x 0.7" H (1.3 cm x 1.8 cm); gold quality: 60.4% (equivalent to 14K+); platinum quality: 39.3% platinum, 33.6% gold; weight: 8.2 grams; US ring size: 8.75

Known as one of the Seven Wise Men of Greece, Solon made great efforts to legislate against political, economic, and moral decline in archaic Athens and is credited with having laid the foundations for Athenian democracy.

Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#169455

Miniscule nick to left side of intaglio. Otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable.