18K and 22K Gold Carnelian Intaglio Heron Ring from Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is known for creating jewelry that replicates the ancient treasures housed within their collection--allowing for works of art that would otherwise be impossible to acquire to be worn as fine jewelry. This 22k and 18k gold ring contains a replica of a Greek carnelian scaraboid, circa 450-430 BC, that is on display in the museum. The original piece is an oval-shaped intaglio with the image of a heron sunning its wings. Here we see it set into a 22k gold surround, hand-hammered over the intaglio with a technique similar to what would have been used during Greek times, on an 18k gold band. The carnelian has a nice translucence, allowing the gold to glow through the gemstone. The ring makes a stunning tribute to the ancient piece, with remarkable hand-carved detail near identical to the original. 

The ring is marked on the band as 18k; the bezel setting tests as 22k.  The face of the ring measures 15/16” x 11 x 16” x 3/16”. The band is 1/8” wide. The ring weighs 9 grams. 

Ring size 6.5