The ring unfolds into an armillary sphere, used to show the movement of the planets around the sun. (England, 1750 - 1800)
The style of this ring was introduced by immigrant Greek goldsmiths from Ionia. Its shape, long straight sides and rounded edges, is derived from Egyptian and Phoenician cartouche-shaped rings. What a beautiful meeting of cultures!
Winged Lion and Sphinx, 550-500 B.C., Etruscan or Greek, South Italy. J. Paul Getty Museum.