Cupid’s Challenge : Extra Large Victorian Era Carnelian Intaglio Seal Ring / Fob

The motto “Rein Sans Pein” loosely translates to “No Pain, No Gain” (or “No Gain Without Pain”), which has been a popular catch cry long before Jane Fonda used it to encourage you to “feel the burn”.

The saying can be traced back to the 2nd Century AD, and was used in a spiritual context about the rewards in following God’s commands. A version of the phrase was employed by Benjamin Franklin in 1734, to illustrate the truism “God helps those who help themselves” and in this old Ben was using it to encourage his readers to exercise every day.

In this large antique intaglio we find a very naked and delightfully cherubic Cupid (The Classical God of Love and Affection) preparing to retrieve a plump and juicy heart from a large thorn bush. Clearly the message here is nothing to do with the virtues of exercise, and everything to do with risking all for love – after all our dear little god is buck naked so there is quite a bit at stake in his endeavour.

Manufacture:
The intaglio is carved into carnelian and measures 22.5mm x 18.8mm. The carnelian is bordered in a bezel of sterling silver, and held in a coronet setting of 9ct gold. This was quite likely originally a fob, but was modified some point in the past with the integration of a 15ct Victorian era ring. This gives the piece a multifunction advantage – it can still be worn as a fob, or as large statement ring (or as my partner insists, a “crown for a mouse”)
The band is hallmarked 15ct, which has been verified by XRF test, the other sections are not marked but their precious metal content has been verified by XRF test.

The face of the ring measures 24.7mm x 21mm. It sits 11mm high on the finger. The band is 4.9mm wide at the shoulders, tapering to 2.8mm at the back of the band. The band is .4mm thick at its thinnest point at the back of the band, but because of the width is safe and secure to wear.
It weighs 9.9 grams.
I think it looks a bit ridiculous on my little hands, but when my son puts it on as a pinky ring it suits very well. It is a wonderful unisex piece for those looking for a statement piece that’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter, whether worn as a ring or a fob pendant.

The ring is currently a size P1/4 or 8
resizable

Condition:
The intaglio is in sublime condition with no chips or scratches – nothing that will mar a perfect wax impression. As mentioned above it has been modified over time, which I feel adds to the pieces story. The band does show signs of wear with some slight thinning at the back. It is otherwise in very good antique condition, ready to be worn as either a fob or pendant and suitable for regular use as a wax seal.