Look into the stone, not at it. Carved into the back of this large oval amethyst is a portrait bust in profile, a gentleman with swept-back curls, which floats inside the deep purple like a ghost in a glass of claret. The faceted front throws the carving into relief from every angle, and the whole is held high in a crown of claw prongs on a split-shoulder band.

Fittingly, the Greeks named the stone amethystos, "not drunk," believing it kept the wearer sober. Classical profiles like this were the Victorian souvenir of choice for anyone who had done, or wished they had done, the Grand Tour.

The Details

• Era: Victorian, 19th century
• Metal: Silver mount
• Stones: Oval faceted amethyst with reverse-carved intaglio portrait
• Ring Size: 6 1/4
• Weight: Approx. 4.8 grams
• Condition: Very good. Richly saturated stone with crisp carving; light wear to the mount consistent with age.