Lot 133: AN ISLAMIC SILVER AND ENGRAVED YELLOW AGATE SIGNET RING
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An Islamic signet ring featuring an oval yellow agate intaglio. The gemstone, commonly referred to as yellow aqeeq, is hand-engraved with fine Arabic calligraphy in Naskh or Thuluth script, arranged into two horizontal registers separated by a single incised central line. The text forms the Shahada, reading in the upper register as “لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا الله” and in the lower register as “مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ الله” (La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasul Allah), translating to “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” The stone is housed within a silver setting designed with a scalloped, petal-like bezel. The architectural shank is constructed with openwork foliate shoulders.
Condition report:
The ring shows signs of wear and age consistent with use. The metal setting exhibits a dark patina and oxidation, particularly within the recessed areas of the foliate shoulders and the scalloped bezel (photo 1). Traces of a yellow adhesive or sealant are visible along the margin where the gemstone meets the bezel on the left-hand side (photo 2). The face of the chalcedony intaglio remains clear with the incised calligraphy fully legible, showing only minor surface abrasions (photo 3). The shank shows light surface scratching.
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