A masterfully hand-carved 18K gold carnelian intaglio, most likely 19th century, designed to be worn as both a pin and a pendant. The carnelian is engraved with the profile of a bearded warrior wearing a crested helmet, topped with what is believed to be the Dacian Draco, the dragon-tailed war standard adopted by the Roman army after their conquest of Dacia in the early 2nd century AD. It’s a rare and specific detail to find in an intaglio carving, and one that points to a carver working closely from classical Roman military iconography. The stone glows a deep, fiery orange in the light, and the 18K gold bezel is finished with a rope twist border that frames the carving beautifully.
This piece comes with a pin conversion, and the bail tucks neatly away when not in use, so it moves easily between a few different lives. Wear it as a pendant on a chain, a pin on a lapel or collar, or as a charm or connector piece within a larger design. One antique treasure, several ways to wear it.
Paired perfectly with the 18k Fancy Long Guard chain that’s currently available.
Solid 18K gold, hallmarked and tested. In excellent vintage condition with the kind of soft, honest wear that comes from decades of being loved and worn.
Weight: 13g. Dimensions: 1.25” x 1”.
Please expect normal vintage or antique wear to all pieces.
Please review my shipping and tariff policies.
