This antique gold cameo ring was made in France, circa 1900.

It depicts the bust of Hercules wearing the skin of the Nemean Lion on his head, one of the most famous beasts of Greek mythology. The man-eating lion had an impenetrable skin and claws that could cut through armour. It terrorised the citizens of Nemea for years until it was encountered by the Greek hero Hercules who slew the lion and wore its pelt on his head. The agate stone is cleverly carved from one piece of gemstone, so that the white bust rises from the more translucent dark red base, the surrounding layer having been intricately cut away. It has been set in a smooth, 18K signet mount.

UK ring size N 1/2, US size 7

The ring weighs 6.95 grams, it is stamped with the French ’tête dangle’ (eagle head) hallmark indicating Paris and 18K gold. There is a makers lozenge mark also present. The ring and cameo remain in great condition despite their significant age, there are no surface scratches to the gemstone and it is set very securely in the gold mount. The cameo carving measures 14mm in diameter, and the band measures 3mm across at the back.