Victorian 18ct Gold Banded Agate Cameo Navette Ring

An exceptional Late Victorian navette ring, circa 1900, featuring a finely carved hardstone cameo. Unlike traditional shell carvings, this piece is meticulously hand-cut from Banded Agate (Sardonyx), utilizing the stone’s natural monochromatic layers to create a striking white silhouette against a dark, translucent ground.

The cameo depicts the Roman goddess Minerva, the deity of wisdom and strategic warfare, rendered in elegant Neoclassical detail. The stone is held in a secure 18ct yellow gold bezel setting, flanked by decorative "beaded" shoulders. The inner band bears a clear 18ct gold "Crown" hallmark, a testament to its high-purity British heritage. A rare and intellectually charming piece of antique jewellery, combining historical symbolism with a sleek, elongated silhouette.

Details

• Era: Late Victorian / Edwardian, c.1900

• Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold (stamped with 18ct and Crown)

• Stone: Hand-carved Banded Agate (Sardonyx) Cameo

• Weight: 2.83g

• Size: R (UK)

• Dimensions: Navette face measures 6mm width x 16mm height

• Condition: Excellent Antique Condition; cameo is crisp with no chips

• Origin: United Kingdom