Description:

A CALLIGRAPHIC INSCRIBED BERYL RING ON SILVER, 19TH CENTURY, PERSIA

Internal Diameter: 2cm

Weight: 20g

 

Description:
A silver ring set with a finely engraved green beryl, shaped in an elongated oval form. The calligraphic inscription is executed in vertical nastaʿlīq script, invoking names or phrases associated with divine protection or Shiʿa devotion. The stone is translucent and highly polished, mounted in a bold, ridged silver setting with decorative beadwork encircling the bezel.

The sharpness of the engraving, paired with the refined colour of the Beryl, reflects high-quality lapidary work. The ring’s robust setting suggests it was intended for regular wear, balancing devotional function with visual strength.

Comparable examples:

  • A Qajar silver ring with green chalcedony intaglio, Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, London, 27 April 2022, Lot 139, sold for £3,750. 

  • A similar engraved green stone ring, Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, London, 10 April 2013, Lot 96, sold for £3,250. 

  • A related ring with vertical script in the al-Sabah Collection, published in Islamic Rings and Talismans, Scarce, 2008.

Provenance:
Private UK collection

Note:
Green chalcedony was popular in Qajar Iran for its symbolic associations with peace, vitality, and divine favour. Intaglio rings inscribed with sacred text were widely worn for spiritual protection and personal identification. This piece exemplifies the fusion of devotion, aesthetic balance, and skilled metalwork characteristic of the period.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 29% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000