Antique Georgian Tassie Intaglio In Edwardian Diamond Mount Ring

This gorgeous, Tassie 18th century intaglio is of a female allegory of Grammar. The fine intaglio features a woman holding a large, flat bowl up high, with a fine cloth draping down from her hand. The intaglio dates to around 1740-1770, and is most likely a souvenir of a Grand Tour. It is crafted after the Renaissance master Valerio Belli (1468-1546) depiction of Allegoria Femminile Grammatica. Belli often used classical figures to represent various virtues and disciplines.The allegory of Grammar is symbolic of the nourishing of the young minds. This female figure is a maternal goddess or a schoolmistress, watering the "Plants of Knowledge" or "Roots of Wisdom". She holds the flat bowl high to gently pour water down onto young seedlings, speaking of how mastering grammar is the foundational root required for all higher education.

The souvenirs of the Grand Tours were usually brought back home by young gentlemen of means as unmounted treasures, later made into jewellery by local craftsmen, in this case in the continental Europe. The intaglio has been mounted into a 14 karat gold ring, with two bright old mine cut diamonds on the sides, and, judging by the style, this was done around 1890-1900.The shank itself looks to be added later, after 1927 in matching yellow gold. It is actually hallmarked "583" for 14 karat Soviet gold. This jewel has been to many places throughout its history, a mystery forever !

The intaglio in its 14 karat gold (tested) bezel setting measures 20.2 by 18 mm. The face of the ring together with the diamonds is 22.8 mm wide. It is size US 10 5/8 or UK V. It can be sized up and also down, but only by a little. Gold balls on the inside of the shank would also make it smaller. Please message us if you are not sure of the fit for you. the ring weighs 5.88 grams and is in good good condition. The sides of the intaglio mounting are showing a faint blending of yellow and rose gold - most likely due to it being crafted from gold belonging to the family it was made for, as was often the custom, especially in the continental Europe. The intaglio is in excellent condition, only showing five of the faintest, tiniest pitting marks, it has been looked after very well.

We love .... the beautiful intaglio with its nod to the Renaissance history. We love its fine quality and subject - the sentiment of the allegory of Grammar, as true today as it was back then.

Please kindly note that other jewellery featured in the photos is for inspiration only and not included in this listing.

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