Lot 140: AN ISLAMIC YELLOW CARNELIAN AGATE SIGNET RING WITH ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY IN AN OPENWORK SILVER SETTING.
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A signet ring featuring a translucent yellow-orange carnelian agate (aqeeq) cabochon of oval form. The gemstone is deeply intaglio-engraved with cursive Arabic calligraphy. The central script includes the characters for Ali (علي) in a stylized Nasta’liq or Thuluth hand, surrounded by decorative floral rosettes consisting of five-dot clusters and smaller stippled motifs. The stone is held within a silver mount characterized by an intricate openwork gallery. This gallery features a repeating series of teardrop-shaped piercings, forming a honeycomb or wasp-nest pattern. The silver setting exhibits a dark, natural oxidation in the recessed areas of the decorative work.
Condition report:
The ring is in good antique condition. The carnelian cabochon displays minor surface wear and fine micro-scratching consistent with age, visible in the overhead views (photo 2). The silver mount shows a heavy dark patina within the openwork gallery and recessed decorative elements (photo 1). The shank exhibits minor thinning and slight distortion to the circular form from historical wear (photo 1). There are no visible chips, fractures, or significant losses to the gemstone or the metal setting.
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