A Persian Banded Agate Cabochon set as a ring, Achaemenid Empire, ca. 550 - 330 BCE
This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $75 if shipping internationally.
This lovely ring centers on an ancient banded agate cabochon dating to the Achaemenid period. The stone is cut as a high dome and polished to a smooth finish, its natural concentric layers in dark gray and white forming a pronounced eye motif. Across the Persian world, such stones were prized not only for their visual appeal but also for their protective associations.
Ancient sources and later traditions describe agate as a powerful talisman. Warriors were said to wear it into battle for protection, believing it could turn an enemy’s weapon back upon its wielder. Agate was also linked to ritual practice, with magicians reportedly burning the stone to disperse storms and ward off evil. Other attributed properties included calming the mind, relieving insomnia, promoting stability and composure, and guarding against venomous bites. These beliefs reflect the broader symbolic framework in which natural materials were understood to possess inherent powers.
The cabochon is set in a later antique 10K gold mount. The high bezel is decorated with a continuous register of small, repeating triangles that create a structured geometric frame around the stone. Although the setting is not ancient, the practice of mounting earlier hardstones in later jewelry has a long history, preserving and recontextualizing valued materials for continued use.
The present ring thus brings together an Achaemenid hardstone and an antique gold setting, allowing the ancient cabochon to remain the focal point while situating it within a wearable and visually cohesive form.
Medium: Agate, gold
Dimensions: US ring size 7½ (UK=O 1/2, DE=19, CH=15, FR=55.7, EU=55.7, JP=15)
Condition: The ring is intact and in very good condition overall. The stone is well preserved, retaining a smooth polish with minor surface wear consistent with age. The banding remains clear, and there are no visible cracks or losses.
Provenance: Private New York collection, acquired in the 2000s.
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Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.
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