DATE: Victorian, c.1890

Antique chalcedony signet ring featuring a cameo portrait, in profile, of what appears to be the third Roman emperor Caligula. I'm not entirely sure why you'd choose to sport a Caligula signet ring, he was by all accounts, a tyrant and a terrible emperor (recommend Netflix Roman Empire season 3 for further reading). The ring dates from the latter half of the 19th century, circa 1890, crafted in 9 karat gold. The cameo is beautifully executed, with great detail and high relief. 

There are few surviving sources documenting Caligula's reign, however the histories we have generally suggest he was a noble leader for the first six months of his rule, before turning to cruelty, sadism, extravagance, and sexual perversion - basically presenting him as an insane tyrant. The son of popular general Germanicus, Caligula got his name (literally translating as "little boots") from his father's soldiers on campaign in Germany. He succeeded Tiberius after the death (potentially assassination) of his Father. While it's quite possible the sources paint Caligula in an unrealistically poor light, it is known that during his short reign he worked to give more power to the position of emperor, and spent lavish sums of public money on vastly luxurious residences for himself. 

STONES 

Chalcedony

MEASUREMENTS 

Head: 1.8 x 1.4cm

Width of band: 3.0mm

WEIGHT 

10.4g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 9k gold

CONDITION 

Very good, with light antique patina