Lyceum Ring

The Lyceum Ring is an experiment in reverse intaglio stone carving. The golden opal was carved from the back, allowing the face to appear within the stone.

The idea came partly from Carvilio’s Ring, a Roman portrait ring found in a tomb near Rome (last picture). That ring was made as a personal memorial, preserving a loved one's face inside the stone. The Lyceum Ring, however, is a more general memorial and reminder to choose reflection and introspection.

The face in the opal is based on sculptures of Aristotle, the archetypal image of the bearded philosopher. It is meant less as simple portraiture than as an emblem and vessel for thought, attention, and the life of the mind. Reworked from a 14k yellow gold estate ring, with four flush-set diamonds added to the textured shoulders, the piece unites meaning and technique.

Details

Opal Cabochon approximately 14 x 10mm

Diamonds: (2) 3mm and (2) 2.2mm, ~.28ctw

At size US 8.5, piece weighs 6.8dwt