Authentic Roman Intaglio 18 kt Gold Ring depicting Goddess Athena Nicephora

This 18 Kt gold ring showcases an authentic Roman carnelian dating back to the 1st-2nd century AD, featuring the depiction of the goddess Athena Nicephora. Flanking the Roman intaglio are two cabochon rubies. Depicted on the carnelian, Athena stands draped, armed with her iconic spear, shield, and helmet, supporting the statuette of Nike. The term "Nicephora," derived from the Latin Nicephorus and the ancient Greek name Νικηφόρος (Nikephoros), translates to "bringer of victory."

Athena is classified among the virgin goddesses, those who, in mythology, never married nor engaged in partnerships. Her independence primarily manifests intellectually, as she embodies wisdom and strategic prowess in battle, serving as an advisor to leaders and heroes. Ancient Greek temples dedicated to Athena were exclusively accessible to men. According to myth, Athena emerged fully grown from the head of her father, Zeus, who had swallowed her mother, Metis, fearing a prophecy that Metis would bear a son who would overthrow him. Athena's birth symbolizes her essential qualities—an embodiment of paternal influence, devoted to independence and rationality, guiding heroes strategically in battle.

The Athena archetype represents the motivational energy that propels a woman's personality towards fostering relationships of camaraderie, alliance, and mutual respect with men whose success and intellectual abilities she admires.