Vintage Jewellery Hoarders
“Wisdom of the Owl” - Ancient Seleucid Empire Bronze Coin of Antiochus VIII, in 3 Claw Custom Made Reclaimed 9ct Gold Frame
“Wisdom of the Owl” - Ancient Seleucid Empire Bronze Coin of Antiochus VIII, in 3 Claw Custom Made Reclaimed 9ct Gold Frame
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Owls - used for millennia to represent wisdom. This amazing bronze coin from 125 -121 BC bears on the reverse the most fabulous owl perched atop an Amphora (the big two handled terracotta pots for carrying oil). The amphora is the symbol of trade - this amazing coin literally depicts wise transactions - and given the rarity of ancient coins bearing owls, and the prices of gold we firmly believe the new owner of this beauty will have made a wise transaction.
We cannot get enough of the wide eyed owl and his careful striking from 2149 years ago - the facial discs, the large eyes, the beak and the feathers - all so recognisable. The intricacy of the original carving, and the detail with which they have paid to recreating this revered animal is amazing.
The face of the coin (it is totally reversible so you can wear it either way around) bears the profile of Antiochus VIII Grypus who ruled Hellenistic Seleucid Empire (think modern Syria region) from 125 to 96 BC. Famed for being a decadent ruler, who is known from his lavish lifestyle and his iconography always shows him without military wear - hence the crown on this coin (described officially as a radiate head - which we can totally see).
Each frame comes from 100% recycled 9ct yellow gold that our amazing jewellers have melted down and hand worked into the amazing square faced wire they have then painstakingly fitted to the shape of the coin (videos of the process on insta). The three claws are purposeful in their placement and hold the treasure safe. The reversible bail has been designed with all chains and clasps in mind - and are all totally reversible for maximum wear.
Particulars:
Weight 7.31g of which 2.3g is gold
Width 22.45 x 29.6 x 4.4mm (over the claws)
Coin - 18.8 x 16.8 x 3.25mm, 5.04g
Bail opening - 5.5 x 3.1 mm
Hallmarks - none - made from preloved 9ct gold rings melted and handmade into this frame.
Condition -frame is new and handmade - it is not machine made - so there are natural imperfections. The coin is 2149 plus years of age - see photos.
Please be aware that this item is pre-loved and therefore is NOT new. Please see the pictures and description to ensure you are happy with it before you buy. Stones may have tiny marks, chips or flea bites, metal will have marks of wear like surface scratches; but any bigger flaws will be clearly highlighted above. Also note - none of the other items or props in the photo come with the item and all measurements are approximate.
All items are available on lay-by 24 hours after they have been listed - please get in touch to discuss options.
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FAQ
Sizing
What do we mean when we say a ring is "sizeable"? Well, most standard rings can be made bigger or smaller by up to three letter sizes. If we say the item is "moderately sizeable", this usually means about 1 size, and if we say it is "not sizeable" or that "sizing is not recommended" it will be due to the construction - it could be age related, pattern related, have enamel etc.
We can happily help with sizing of rings, so please do get it touch if we can give you a quote.
Lay-by
As well as Afterpay and Paypal Pay-in-4 which are available at checkout, we also do traditional lay-by.
So, if you love this piece but can't afford it right now - please get in touch.
To secure your item, we require a 20% non-refundable deposit. Items will not be removed from the website until this is paid.
Following this, you will need to make further monthly payments of 20% until the full balance is complete, a time frame of 5 months in total.
Invoices will be issued at the start of each month and we ask they are paid before the start of the following month.
We issue all invoices through the website, and it accepts all cards, Shop Pal, Paypal and Afterpay as payment.
Valuations
Some of our items come with valuations we either got with the piece, or that we have had done by an independent gemologist. We do not get valuations done on all pieces as we like to keep things as affordable as possible. However, we use a number of instruments to help us determine stones and list these details in the description of each piece.
Shipping
We ship for free to the following countries: Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and the UK.
Australian shipping is express post and fully insured.
International items under $500 are shipped standard airmail and items over $500 express airmail.
All items are sent trackable, fully insured and requiring a signature on delivery.
Any items leaving Australia will have a signed customs declaration stating what is in the box.
Any duties, taxes or import fees for international items are not the responsibility of Vintage Jewellery Hoarders.