Jewellery and Watches

A late 18th century intaglio ring, the carved agate depicting Vesta (or Hestia), goddess of the hearth and home, signed ‘VARLEY’, gold mounted, ring size approximately N (band oval). £600-£800

Vesta (known as Hestia in Ancient Greece) was the Roman goddess of the hearth and family. A temple was dedicated to her inside the Roman Forum, The Temple of Vesta, known for its unusual circular shape, in which a sacred fire burned which must never be extinguished - if it did, the safety and security of Rome itself was thought to be compromised. The fire was attended by a college of priestesses called the Vestals or Vestal Virgins.