Although people wear some rings as mere ornaments, or as conspicuous displays of wealth, rings have symbolic functions in relation to marriage, exceptional achievement, high status or authority, membership in an organization, and the like. Rings can be made to sport insignia to be transferred in an impression in a wax seal, or outfitted with a small compartment in which to conceal things. In myth, fable, and fiction, rings are often endowed with spiritual or supernatural significance. Reference: Wikipedia
Below are some examples and price guides of rings which have mythical or astrological symbolism, including Egyptian scarab rings and celtic rings.
VIKING TALASMANIC RING, 7TH-10TH CENTURTY AD
Size 9 ½. 2.2mm rounded face band supporting an oval bezel with inset dot border. Central geometric figure with dots and dashes. Probably a representation of an astrological figure which were sacred to Vikings and served both as guidance for navigation and supernatural powers. Professionally refurbished with the gold overlay restored. Gift boxed with a certificate of authenticity.
Sold for $110 at Jasper52 in 2020
Ring of Horemheb
This solid gold signet ring is exceptional for its size and the quality of its workmanship. Spirals are added toward the rounded ends of the very thick ring, and the four faces of the rectangular, rotating bezel are deeply engraved with a crocodile, a scorpion, a lion, and the coronation name of Horemheb, the last king of the 18th Dynasty.
The size of the ring indicates that it was not designed to be worn. It probably served as a seal for applying official stamps—a hypothesis supported by the deeply engraved designs. Signet rings of this type, which first appeared in the Middle Kingdom, were common during the New Kingdom.
A specific iconography One of the larger faces of the rectangular bezel bears a cartouche containing the coronation name of the Pharaoh Horemheb (Djeser-kheperu-re Setep-en-re); the other features a majestic lion—symbol of royal power—together with the hieroglyphs “neb khepesh,” meaning lord of strength, an epithet attributed to the king on other monuments. The smaller faces are engraved with a crocodile and a scorpion.
Reference:The Louvre
Ring 4th century B.C. Celtic These rings evoke the splendor of the Celts and their love of personal adornment. The upper ring is one of the most lavish surviving examples. The rams’ heads are similar to those on the great gold neck ring from Frasnes-lez Buissenal also exhibited in this case. The two smaller rings present a combination of tendril motifs, some echoing symmetrical designs that appear to be abstractions of a face.
Reference: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
An Egyptian Gold and Steatite Scarab Swivel Ring, Early 18th Dynasty, 1540-1400 B.C. with solid gold hoop, the spiral wire wound around the shoulders and through the convex terminals and turquoise-glazed scarab, the scarab carved underneath with a decorative device composed of stylized lotus and papyri. Width 15/16 in. 23.8 cm.
Sold for 16,250 USD in 2013
Gold ring with a large oval bezel, Etruscan, 5th to 4th century BC
This large ring made of a plain sheet of gold was made to be buried with the deceased, to accompany them into the afterlife.
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum
Scarab Ring The scarab, the ancient Egyptian symbol of regeneration and rebirth, was a very popular motif in jewelry. This sacred beetle was connected to the sun-god Khepri, who could appear in the form of a scarab and was also associated with resurrection. This ring features an amethyst scarab, which can be rotated to reveal a hieroglyphic inscription chased on its gold mount. It reads “Butler of Nefer-her: Hebi,” which identifies the pieces as the property of a royal servant.
Reference: The Walters Art Museum
