The graceful profile impression this intaglio makes bears a remarkable resemblance to Cleopatra, last of the Ptolemies. It depicts a woman with bound hair and steady gaze,  More »

The graceful profile impression this intaglio makes bears a remarkable resemblance to Cleopatra, last of the Ptolemies. It depicts a woman with bound hair and steady gaze, whose beauty seems to radiate from some inner source. It is a portrait of such exquisite sensitivity as to almost surely have been made from life by a master artisan. When we gaze upon it, we feel as if we know the sitter intimately. - (Z.0113)   « Less

possibly head Of Silenus, or Socrates - (FJ.6892)

possibly head Of Silenus, or Socrates - (FJ.6892)   « Less

Origin: Europe Circa: 17 th Century AD to 19 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Classical Revival Medium: Gold

Origin: Europe Circa: 17 th Century AD to 19 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Classical Revival Medium: Gold   « Less

Islamic Incised Silver Ring - FJ.0078, Origin: Hebron, Israel, Circa: 700 AD to 1000 AD, Collection: Jewelry, Style: Islamic, Medium: Silver. As we slip this simple ring onto  More »

Islamic Incised Silver Ring - FJ.0078, Origin: Hebron, Israel, Circa: 700 AD to 1000 AD, Collection: Jewelry, Style: Islamic, Medium: Silver. As we slip this simple ring onto our own fingers (and few could resist that temptation) we realize that some individual otherwise unknown must have done exactly that, centuries ago. Perhaps no other clue to that vanished life exists save for this ring with its mysterious inscription. When we wear it today we cannot help but think of its original owner, and feel some kinship with him.   « Less

Ruby Bead Necklace with Silver Islamic Good Luck Charms and a 14 Karat Gold Clasp - FJ.2135, Origin: Turkey, Collection: Jewelry, Style: Beaded Necklaces, Medium: Ruby and  More »

Ruby Bead Necklace with Silver Islamic Good Luck Charms and a 14 Karat Gold Clasp - FJ.2135, Origin: Turkey, Collection: Jewelry, Style: Beaded Necklaces, Medium: Ruby and Silver. Not only does this splendid necklace create a dramatic focus for all eyes, it also promises abundant good fortune to whoever wears it. In addition to the amulets, the ruby has long been considered the luckiest of gems. Combined, they create lovely adornment for a woman who already knows how lucky she is.   « Less

Gold and Silver Amulet with Cufic Inscribed Sapphire Seal - FJ.4554, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1500 AD to 1800 AD, Dimensions: 1.375" (3.5cm) high x 1.375" (3.5cm) wide x  More »

Gold and Silver Amulet with Cufic Inscribed Sapphire Seal - FJ.4554, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1500 AD to 1800 AD, Dimensions: 1.375" (3.5cm) high x 1.375" (3.5cm) wide x 1.375" (3.5cm) depth, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic, Medium: Sapphire. Combining three of the most precious materials known to man, this lovely amulet was intended to bring luck and blessings upon the wearer. A member of the corundum family, sapphire is one of the four gems deemed "precious" today. The finest such stones came from India, Burma, Thailand and other parts of the east. Very likely, this particular gem traveled to Afghanistan from India during the Moghul period. Since antiquity, the sapphire has enjoyed the reputation of a magic stone of immense and all-encompassing power, capable of warding off every kind of pestilence and contagious disease. The sapphire is also reputed to bring good fortune to its owner and to promote wisdom and clarity of mind. Surely the individual intelligent enough to acquire this lovely amulet will enjoy all of those qualities.   « Less

Silver Islamic Signet Ring - FJ.6395, Origin: Jericho/ Palestine, Circa: 1100 AD to 1600 AD, Collection: Jewelry, Style: Islamic, Medium: Silver. In the ancient world signet  More »

Silver Islamic Signet Ring - FJ.6395, Origin: Jericho/ Palestine, Circa: 1100 AD to 1600 AD, Collection: Jewelry, Style: Islamic, Medium: Silver. In the ancient world signet rings were used to make impressions upon clay, wax, or similar impressionable materials. From early Egyptian times, through the Greek and Roman period, signet rings served as an equivalent to a person's signature, taking the place of locks and keys. Due to the danger of forgery the great Greek statesman Solon (6th century B.C.) forbade the ring-engraver to keep an impression of an engraved design once the ring was sold. This handsome ring served as both a signature seal, and also as an object of beauty and prestige. The lovely flowing script dances on the silver like light reflected on water. There is subtle strength in this ring, and yet a sense of delicacy which continues the pride in ownership, and the pleasure in wearing something of a time honored tradition.   « Less

Jasper Seal Ring - FJ.6433, Origin: Persia, Circa: 1500 AD to 1800 AD, Catalogue: V25, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium: Jasper, Gold. When the prophet Muhammad wished to  More »

Jasper Seal Ring - FJ.6433, Origin: Persia, Circa: 1500 AD to 1800 AD, Catalogue: V25, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium: Jasper, Gold. When the prophet Muhammad wished to write to the Byzantine emperor Heraclius in 628 A.D., he was told that among foreign people no letter was acceptable unless provided with a seal. A silver ring therefore was prepared for him bearing the inscription "Muhammad the Apostle of God". Since then seal rings were widely used, and in fact considered essential, for commercial dealings and individual transactions. The seal was not only used as a person's signature, but also considered as a talisman (good luck charm), and of course as an adornment. The writing on this charming ring is either an individual's name, or an incantation to God.   « Less

Islamic Glass Arm Bracelet - GF.0175, Origin: Israel, Circa: 700 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 3.625" (9.2cm) high, Collection: Near Eastern, Style: Islamic, Medium: Glass.  More »

Islamic Glass Arm Bracelet - GF.0175, Origin: Israel, Circa: 700 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 3.625" (9.2cm) high, Collection: Near Eastern, Style: Islamic, Medium: Glass. Throughout antiquity, glass was used for jewelry in place of more costly gems. Islamic artisans inherited the glassmaking traditions of the past, and shaped works of great vitality. With jewel-like colors and bold shapes, they created ornaments prized by princess and commoner alike. Imitating lapis, turquoise, emerald, onyx or agate, glass jewelry satisfied the age-old human passion for adornment. Imagine this bangle upon the arm of some dark-eyed beauty as she exchanged laughter and gossip with her friends, dangling her fingers in the cool waters of a fountain. From such a charming clue as this, worn and cherished, we can picture a vanished life, a distant time.   « Less

Islamic Glass Bracelet - GF.0177, Origin: Israel, Circa: 700 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 3.125" (7.9cm) high, Collection: Near Eastern, Style: Islamic, Medium: Glass.  More »

Islamic Glass Bracelet - GF.0177, Origin: Israel, Circa: 700 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 3.125" (7.9cm) high, Collection: Near Eastern, Style: Islamic, Medium: Glass. Throughout antiquity, glass was used for jewelry in place of more costly gems. Islamic artisans inherited the glassmaking traditions of the past, and shaped works of great vitality. With jewel-like colors and bold shapes, they created ornaments prized by princess and commoner alike. Imitating lapis, turquoise, emerald, onyx or agate, glass jewelry satisfied the age-old human passion for adornment. Imagine this bangle upon the arm of some dark-eyed beauty as she exchanged laughter and gossip with her friends, dangling her fingers in the cool waters of a fountain. From such a charming clue as this, worn and cherished, we can picture a vanished life, a distant time.   « Less