An antique Victorian gold intaglio signet ring intaglio, circa 1900.

The oval agate gemstone is intricately carved in Roman style and depicts an erotic scene. The stone is horizontally bezel set in a 22K yellow gold mount.

UK size R, US size 8.75

The ring weighs a total of 9.6 grams and the intaglio measures 10mm x 16mm. The gold ring is unmarked but tests as 22K gold.

The art of engraving gemstones has been admired since the early days of the Roman empire. However it was revived in Europe during the Renaissance, and again in the 18th and 19th centuries. Cameos and intaglios were prized and collected, sometimes as symbols of power and mounted in jewelled settings, sometimes as small objects for private devotion or enjoyment.