Gold has been a prized metal since ancient times and its similarity to the color of the sun makes it ideal for jewelry and other items with an astrological theme.
Below are some examples of gold astrological / astronomical antiques including a repousse gold zodiac box and a bloodstone seal set in a gold ring.
A REPOUSSÉ GOLD ‘ZODIAC’ BOX AND COVER
Liao Dynasty
Of bracket lobed form, the cover worked in repoussé depicting the animals of the zodiac and applied with gold wire on a punched ground, the sides incised with a frieze of stylised animals alternating with foliage, fitted box. 5.5cm (2 1/8in) wide (3).
Sold for £3,570 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS GOLD ZODIAC PENDANT
Designed as a Libra zodiac sign, 18k yellow gold (French mark), circa 1970, signed V.C.A., numbered
Size/Dimensions: 2.5 cm (1 in)
Gross Weight: 17.1 grams
Sold for USD 10,710 at Christie’s in 2022
A Vintage 14k yellow gold pendant depicts two Gemini figures, with impressed “Gemini”. stamped along the back “14k”. Total Weight: 4.4 grams (2.8 dwt)
CIRCA: 1970s-1980s
ORIGIN: USA
DIMENSIONS: .75″ x .75″
Sold for US$200 at Akiba Galleries in 2023
A GRAND TOUR BLOODSTONE MAGICAL ENGRAVED SEAL SET IN A LATER GOLD RING. HAND USED IN THE WORSHIP OF SABAZIUS WITH ASTROLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES. 19th centurySeal 12 x 14 x 3 mm ; 7,3 grs; int diam 20 mmThe hoop composed of two rounded wires saldered together and separating at the shoulders by a globule on each side. The large squared grooved box-setting is set with a bloodstone seal with a magical engraved design; the Sabazius worship hand with pine, crescent moon and eagle. On each side of the wrist, retrograde initials “A-E”. Wear marks.
Sold for £2,800 at Bertolami Fine Art s.r.l. in 2023
Moon Pendant. Antique 18kt yellow gold circular pendant displaying a central carved moonstone smiling moon with a surround of (16) Old Mine cut diamonds, (2) faceted blue gems, most surely sapphires, and (2) faceted pink gems, most surely rubies. With a diamond inlaid platinum bail. Pendant is accompanied by a 14kt white gold chain necklace. Total approx. weight of the pendant is 4.1 dwt (gross); total approx. weight of the chain is 4.4 dwt (gross).
Sold for US$7,500 at Clarke Auction Gallery in 2023
