An important collection of 101 cameo and intaglio rings known as the Ceres Collection will sell through Bonhams on September 17 in London.
 The collection is both wearable and historically signficant, adding to its appeal to collectors |
The collection, which will be sold without reserve, is expected to sell for £100,000 ($171,571).
Collected by an American family over six decades, the cameos span the history of the art, with some dating to as early as fourth century BC and others from the 19th century.
The collection takes its name from the Roman goddess of fertility and harvest, Ceres, whose portrait is featured on a number of the pieces.
As well as their historical significance, many of the cameos are mounted onto rings or other jewellery, making them wearable for the new owner.
"There is a small pool of the finest examples of cameo and intaglio gems available, thus Bonhams' sale of the Ceres Collection is an opportunity to own a gem from this magical subject," commented Richard Falkiner, fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.
"It is an opportunity which may not occur again from a very long time indeed."
Each of the lots will be sold separately, with the fourth century BC piece - a Hellenistic garnet cameo of a man's head - estimated at £3,500-5,000 ($6,004-8,575). It was cut from an older Pharaonic stone scarab.
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