18kt yellow gold ring featuring relief of a gnostic intaglio with a Scorpio holding a moon and star circa 3rd Century A.D.

Handmade in Rome.

This ring may be ordered with a lead time of 3-4 weeks.

HISTORY

The use of scratching diagrams in the belief to influence the course of events, pretending to use mysterious or supernatural forces, is as old as human history. There was a time when magicians used to inscribe hermetic symbols on their talismans and amulets. Sometimes those jewels featured whole series of hermetic, as well as mythological symbolism, usually recognised as alchemical foundations. Since this period corresponded with gnostic syncretism, namely from about one century B.C to fourth century A.D. those magic jewels were known under the “Gnostic Gems” definition. In spite of all the inscribed symbolism, Gnostic Gems were amulets and talismans intended to bring good luck. To be more precise, those pieces of jewellery were expected to give protection against evil, danger, or disease.