DATE: Roman- Between 1st and 3rd Century AD
A fascinating antique signet ring with an ancient Roman intaglio. The carnelian agate intaglio depicts two Greek gods- Asclepius, the god of medicine and Hygeia, his daughter and goddess of health. Asclepius carries a snake-entwined staff, while facing his daughter. The ring mount is crafted in solid 18 karat yellow gold.
Asclepius was the son of Apollo and mortal princess Coronis. His name- literally meaning "to cut open" as he was born by caesarean section. He was married to Epione, the goddess of pain relief and healing. Her name comes from the Greek word "epios", which means "soothing". They together had a number of children, including Hygiea. Asclepius was given to the Centaur Chiron, the wisest of all centaurs, who raised him and taught him medicine and the healing arts. Legend has it, at some point along the way, Asclepius healed a snake, which in return taught him secret knowledge... Snakes were considered divine beings that were wise and could heal and this is how his symbol came along.
Hygeia's (hygiene) classical symbol was a bowl containing a medicinal potion with the serpent of wisdom consuming it. This is the same serpent of wisdom, which appears on the staff of Aesculapius. She played an important part in her father's cult, while her father was more directly associated with healing, she was associated with the prevention of sickness and the continuation of good health.
STONES
Carnelian Agate
MEASUREMENTS
Head: 1.4 x 1.6cm
Rise off finger: 4.6mm
Width of band: 3.2mm
WEIGHT
13.45g
MARKS
No marks present, tests as 18k gold
CONDITION
Very good, tiny hairline crack to the intaglio
