The Tychè Ring features a partially broken Roman green chrome chalcedony intaglio (9.5 x 8.3 x 3.6 mm) dating back to the 1st century CE. This exquisite intaglio depicts Tychè, known as Fortuna in Roman mythology, the goddess of fortune and abundance. To restore the intaglio’s beauty, we crafted the missing parts in 18k yellow gold, inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi. This restoration not only highlights its imperfections but enhances its character, ensuring that if an imprint were made in wax, the goddess would appear whole once again.
The intaglio intricately portrays Tychè holding a cornucopia, a symbol of wealth and prosperity, in her right hand. A flower and an ear of corn in her left hand represent fertility and abundance, while the rudder at her feet symbolises her power to steer the fates of individuals. This intaglio was used by a Roman of considerable status, as it served to sign documents and was originally set in a seal ring, reflecting its owner’s position and significance in society.
Intaglios like this one have a long history as personal seals, used long before written signatures became common. These miniature works of art were carved in reverse on hard materials, such as glass or gemstones, and pressed into wax to leave their owner’s mark. Carefully chosen symbols reflected personal meaning, making each intaglio a treasured possession and a significant piece of jewellery.
The Tychè Ring is a testament to the enduring craftsmanship and symbolism of intaglios. The integration of ancient artistry and thoughtful restoration in gold brings the power of Fortuna to life, offering you the chance to own a remarkable piece of history.
