Greek Gold Ring Garnet Cabochon, ex-Christie's

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Fine Antiquities | Ethnographica | Fine Art

By Artemis Gallery

May 19, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-05-19 10:00:00 2022-05-19 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities | Ethnographica | Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-ethnographica-fine-art-9350
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• Lot Description
  Ancient Greece, late Classical to early Hellenistic period, ca. 4th century BCE. A fabulous 95% gold (equivalent to 22K+) ring with a garnet stone set into the discoid face. A thin ovoid band widens to flaring shoulders supporting a large central bezel etched with an abstract line motif. Set within the bezel is an opaque garnet cabochon of a near jet-black hue that glimmers with red undertones. A stunning piece of finely crafted gold jewelry that probably passed through many generations as a prized heirloom! Size (shank): 0.75" W (1.9 cm); (face): 0.75" L (1.9 cm); (garnet): 0.5" L (1.3 cm); gold quality: 95% (equivalent to 22K+); total weight 9.8 grams; US ring size 2
  
  The Latin word 'garanatus' means seedlike, and the red garnet stone is reminiscent of pomegranate seeds, the pomegranate being a fruit with strong symbolism in Greek and Roman mythology. Perhaps the most famous mythological story about pomegranates comes from the kidnapping of Persephone by the god of the Underworld, Hades. The Fates decided that anyone who consumed food or drink in the Underworld was doomed to spend eternity there, so Hades tricked Persephone into eating six pomegranate seeds to become his bride. In Greek tradition, the pomegranate fruit is often given as a gift or offering that represents everlasting love and unity, and perhaps the presentation of a seed like garnet ring was a more permanent symbol.
  
  Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010; ex-Christie's, New York "Antiquities" auction (sale 14573, November 29, 2016, lot 24)
  
  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.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  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.
  
  #159437

  Condition

  Minor surface wear to shank and nicks to peripheries. Please note: While Christie's lists the size as 4.5, this ring measured at a US ring size of 2 on our ring sizer, likely due to its oval shape. Wearable, intact, and beautiful!
• Shipping Info

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