Ancient Sassanian Seal & Ram's Head Ring

An ancient Sassanian seal circa 200 CE-700 CE, carved in carnelian depicting a bird bordered on one side by a name or phrase and set in a 19th century ring with a fully articulated ram's head on each shoulder. It's suggested in several texts, such as Amulets and Talismans (Budge, 1961) and Seals and Sealing in the Ancient World (Ameri, Costello, Jamison, Scott, 2018) that seals such as this might have been worn as personal talismans to facilitate magic and protection. In addition to the seal's use as a stamp to validate personal agreements and business transactions, the color and type of stone would have been chosen for its particular metaphysical power. 

I feel a thrilled sense of awe to hold something in my hand that was worn a millennia or more ago. With the contemplation of how much of human history has passed between the moment of its creation, and the delicate weight of it now in my hands, comes a sense of responsibility towards preserving it for future generations.

Details: Measuring approximately 5/8" north to south across the face with a 1/4" rise above the finger when worn. The seal does have a slight back and forth movement but is firmly secured in the gold bezel by means of a sturdy gold wire though the channel, drilled by the stone carver to accommodate the original sinew or bail that would have allowed the owner to wear it. The setting is not marked for gold content but XRF tests to 15k.

Size: Measures size 6 3/4 full on the mandrel, resizable slightly. Please send us a message before purchase if you are interested in the details of our sizing service.

Condition: Over in excellent wearable condition. There are a few abrasions and chips along the edges of the seal, and general wear as evidence of its incredible history, but nothing obviously disfiguring. With reasonable care and removal before strenuous activites like housework, sports, etc. the ring should well serve for this and future generations.