Lost Owl Ancient Cat Intaglio Ring

Lost Owl Ancient Cat Intaglio RingThis wacky cat face has been etched into my mind since I first saw it a few years ago when browsing intaglios in The Met's online collection. Forming the base of a carnelian stamp seal, it was carved around 3600 years ago in Bronze Age Crete by a Minoan and likely used as a personal signature to make an impression in wax or clay. The nose and eyes are strikingly reminiscent of the neolithic cup and ring rock art the petroglyphs we have in the UK. This

and mythological creatures (the head of a satyr at the top and two cockatrices guarding either side) - all arranged around a human face in the middle

Pendant size: 26

especially notable from the Aegean Bronze Age

who successfully predicted its arrival in 1759

Stones: Onyx & Diamond (brilliant and rose cuts)

in modern times

very rare indeed

an unusual example in that it hasn't been made in the neoclassical or gothic revival style - rather

the large pavilion facets and open culet creating bright flashes of colourful fire and good brilliance

A woven lock of hair remains present behind the glass (we can have this removed prior to shipping if preferred)

at least) look like cat ears (or an M)

Instone won a scholarship to study silversmithing at the Birmingham School of Jewellery