Mystery Stone

The stone in this ring belonged to my maternal grandfather. My guess, for a number of reasons, is that the portrait carved into it is that of Alexander the Great.

I don’t know how my grandfather used the stone, whether it was set in a ring or something else. My mother apparently had a ring made to accommodate the stone and she wore this ring religiously every day of her adult life.

I was originally going to pass this along to my niece with nothing more than the personal context but I thought I would ask whether anyone could venture a guess as to the type of stone this is.

 

carnelian ....

 

Carnelian/cornelian intaglio of some hero from classical mythology, probably a Greek participant in the Trojan War. The weapons below the head may indicate who in particular, but I do not know how to interpret them.

Value here is primarily sentimental. Intaglios of this type in this material (a form of quartz) are common in men's jewellery, although this one is done better than most modern ones.

 

Hi,
I had one from 1940 had it until 1972 when it eloped with a stranger.
greg

 

Hope it didn't elope right off your finger?

 

Hi,
It did along with my watch and wallet. Which the police discovered a block away only the cash was gone, none of the pictures or cards. The ring upset me but the damn watch really upset me. It was gold and inscribed to me from a friend who had died the week before.
greg

 

I'm so sorry, even now it must ache when you think of it. Take it this was in NYC?

 

Hi Bronwen,
Alas it was in Philadelphia in an parking garage elevator by two guys and a gun. They were both wearing three piece suits. I got on the elevator without a worry since they looked like lawyers, I was in jeans and sweater.
greg

 

Must have needed money for new threads. Yikes!

 

Eep. The watch would have upset me too. This ring looks like it's from the 50s, give or take a hair. The carving turns up all over the place in both fine and costume settings.