Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring
Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring

Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring

17669

$32,500
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This rare, museum-quality Hellenistic gold finger ring, probably the finest ring on the market today, dating to circa the 3rd to 2nd Century B.C., features an imposing oval bezel executed in extraordinarily high-relief repoussé and masterfully chased detail. The composition depicts the goddess Aphrodite draped in a delicate chiton with wavy, diadem-bound hair, turned three-quarters as the winged infant Eros (Amor) perches affectionately upon her right shoulder. The repoussé bust is set within a stepped, molded border integrated into a tapered, heavy gold hoop designed in antiquity to be worn. 

Length 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm.) weight 23.2 g

Recent X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis confirms an ancient, solid high-karat gold composition of approximately 21.6K (90.31% Au, 7.70% Ag, and 1.19% Cu) with no plating detected.

The iconographic type directly mirrors the celebrated Hellenistic gold medallion of Aphrodite and Eros from South Russia in the Antikenmuseum Berlin, published by Jack Ogden in Jewellery of the Ancient World (p. 74, fig. 11). The piece boasts an unbroken, elite pedigree: acquired directly on February 14, 1976, from esteemed New York dealer Mathias Komor (Stock No. E822) by international financier Maurice Tempelsman, the longtime partner of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Elegant in conception and refined in execution, this Hellenistic gold ring exemplifies the jewelry traditions utilizing the inherently classic motif of Aphrodite with her son, Eros. 

For a discussion of this ring type see M. Y. Treister, Hammering Techniques in Greek and Roman Jewellery and Teurotics, Boston and New York, 2001, pp. 190-191.

For similar examples depicting busts of Athena, see https://dma.org/art/collection/object/5184745 and

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1897-0726-5.

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

Free insured shipping within the United States on most pieces; oversized works are quoted at checkout. We pack and ship ourselves, usually within two business days. International shipping by USPS or DHL is calculated at checkout; if your country is not listed, write to us. Customs forms state the full value; international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.

Any object may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a refund or credit. Contact us first. See Buying from Us.

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