Georgian Berlin Iron Dionysus Cameo Ring
Georgian Berlin Iron Dionysus Cameo Ring
$1,750.00
Description
DATE: Georgian, c.1815 (mount circa 1860)
A cool early 19th Century Berlin Iron cameo ring depicting Dionysus, the Grecian god of wine, vegetation, pleasure, festivity, madness and wild frenzy. He was depicted either as an old bearded man, or, as in this case, an effeminate long haired youth with long hair adorned with vines and grape bunches. The cameo is set in a slightly later silver signet ring mount that features gold pommels to the shoulders and a gold ropetwist motif around the head.
At the beginning of the 19th Century, in order to fund the war effort against the invading Napoleon, the Prussian royal family asked citizens to donate their gold jewellery. In return, they were given jewellery made from iron - which became known as Berlin Iron. This practice was employed right through until the first half of the 20th Century, and wearing iron jewellery showed true devotion to your country.
MEASUREMENTS
Head: 3.0 x 2.2cm
Width of band: 3.0mm
WEIGHT
14.4g
MARKS
No marks present, tests as Sterling Silver and 9k gold
CONDITION
Good, some general wear commensurate with age
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