18ct Gold Ruby Sapphire 19th Century Dress Ring Hardstone Cameo African Man

This is a superb and unusual late 19th century, 18ct gold (electronically tested) ruby and sapphire dress ring of oval form set with a central hardstone cameo of an African man. The cameo is 0.5in (1.3cm) high and 0.35in (0.9cm) wide. The cameo stone, probably black sardonyx, is beautifully carved in four levels, an upper level of black for stones/markings of the headband, white for the headband, black for the head, then grey as the ground. The bezel is set with 20 alternating rubies and sapphires of good color. This is bordered with ropework, extending down to the shoulders, the shank is also decorated with scroll-work.