Vintage 18K Gold Greek Honey Bee Signet Ring

This 18k gold signet ring features a stylized cameo of a honey bee in a shallow concave oval. This iconic Greek symbol is beautifully depicted in bas relief with accentuated details on the bee's elongated body. The gold has a lovely patina; the recesses of the gold have a matte surface while the highlights are polished to bring the bee to life. The ring’s band has a similar low-relief motif that encircles it. The oval border around the signet makes the cameo a perfect wax seal. 

Bees were an important symbol in Greek mythology, as bees were considered servants of the gods. Because of its healing attributes, honey was seen as a holy substance, and bees and honey symbology represented knowledge, health, and power. As such, the bee is often found in Greek Art and Greek Revival jewelry, and has remained a popular motif in contemporary fashion. 

The ring is marked 750, Greece, and contains the maker’s mark E.37 (with a Greek epsilon). The ring weighs 9.9 grams. The face of the signet measures 1” x 3/4”. 

Ring size 6.25. Because of the motif around the band, the ring cannot be resized.