Antique Gutta Percha Women in Communion Intaglio Signet Ring in 18k Gold

A striking antique ring, modeled in rosy 18k yellow gold, whose gem is an unusual, intaglio-carved, gutta percha cabochon. This mysterious old intaglio is held in a smooth, weighty, recessed bezel— it depicts two women, with graceful, curvaceous figures. These twin-like women face one another, holding hands, their foreheads almost touching; they appear to be corseted, and they wear embellished garments. Because of the postures of the figures, this carving feels like it has symbolic meaning, but we can't be certain of what it signifies. It might be well suited to someone born under the star sign Gemini, to a woman who loves women, to a sister, or twin, or to someone who feels a deep connection to their shadow self. The concept of mirroring, and of being in communion with another is certainly strong and intentional! The clean, minimal lines of the mount are a wonderful foil for this captivating, carved gem. The shapely, closed-back bezel is mounted between simple, vertically-spilt shoulders; the ring shank is broad and flat. The angled lip of the bezel setting is visually appealing, and its recessed design protects the cabochon.

Gutta percha is an organic material commonly used in mourning jewelry. Its usage in jewelry is limited, historically, to the Victorian era, and it is often thought of as a specially civil war era material. Gutta percha is made my compressing the resin of a tree native to Southeast Asia. It is usually moulded. Carved gutta percha is very unusual.  

Materials

18k gold
Gutta percha

Age

1880 - 1900

Size

US 6 1/2

This ring can be made smaller but not larger; to add resizing to your order, visit our services section. 

Dimensions

Ring face measures approx 21.4 x 15 mm; shank measures approx 3.85 mm; rise is approx 3.6 mm.