Victorian 14KT Gold Sardonyx Ring
Sardonyx is a form of banded onyx or agate , once considered a very valuable gemstone for jewelry. It has a long history of importance beginning with Roman soldiers wearing sardonyx engraved with Mars,or their hero Hercules. During the Renaissance, sardonyx was thought to bring eloquence to the wearer, being highly valued by public speakers and orators. And, the Victorians loved sardonyx, carving it into cameos and setting to show the colored layers as is the case in this orange and white sardonyx ring.
It is uncommon to find a Victorian 14KT gold ring at a size 8. A beveled sardonyx navette stone 1/2" long (orange beneath white) is the centerpiece for this special ring. Both sides are engraved with an overlaid teardrop layer of gold.
