Edwardian Carved Amethyst "Hera" Solitaire Ring

$1,750.00

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Edwardian Carved Amethyst "Hera" Solitaire Ring

$1,750.00

Description

DATE: Edwardian, c.1910

A stylish antique solitaire ring set with a gorgeous carved amethyst panel head. The amethyst displays a deep velvety colour with flashes of lavender when moved in the light, and the fine carving depicts the Greek Goddess of marriage, women, childbirth (and family), and the sky and the stars of heaven... AKA Hera. She was usually depicted as a beautiful woman, wearing a crown- much like this carving! The simplistic band is crafted in 18k gold, and it features English hallmarks for the year 1910 and Chester assay office.

Hera was the oldest daughter of Cronus and Rhea, however she was raised by the Titans Ocean and Tethys (a goddess associated with freshwater and nursing mothers). She was married to Zeus, sometimes portrayed as vengeful and jealous- to which I can't blame her given her husband's habit of having affairs with numerous others! Despite his affairs, Hera remained faithful, and in painting her most usual attribute is the peacock bird, but she’s also associated with the cow, pomegranate fruit, and several other symbols which are seen only rarely.

STONES

Carved Amethyst

MEASUREMENTS

Head: 0.9 x 0.7cm

Rise off finger: 4.3mm

Width of band: 1.8mm

WEIGHT

3.2g

MARKS

English hallmarks for 18k gold, Chester, 1910

CONDITION

Excellent