Very Scarce 18th C. Wedgewood Cameo Ring

For the first time since the Renaissance the designs and motifs of Greco-Roman antiquity were again in favor. It is quite interesting to note that as Napoleon and his armies traveled near and far conquering more and more countries and securing thousands of acres of land and wealth, his efforts led to the birth of the science of Egyptology. In fact much of the return to the classical was due to his hunger for power. About the time this ring was fashioned that famous stele which eventually led to the unlocking the secret to several ancient languages and provided the key to the comprehension of Egyptian hieroglyphs was uncovered – the Rosetta Stone.

Perhaps not as earthshaking as that discovery yet nevertheless magnificent and exceptional in its own right is this 18th century Wedgwood cameo ring. Created in the 1700s by Josia Wedgwood and known as jasperware, this is the type of stoneware with the pale blue color or “Wedgwood Blue” which is most recognizable.

A cameo features the left profile of a man of classical antiquity. His strong nose and coiffed head of curls depicts a man of stature. The white figure in the foreground contrasts beautifully with the characteristic deep blue background. The striking surround of twenty-seven (27) turquoise cabochons is set in a crimped collet of silver. Both the reverse and the buttery smooth tapered shank are of 9k yellow gold. Almost 250 years have passed and have led to our discovery of a very scare object in exceptional condition.

Date: Circa 1790.

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