English, circa 1740, Finger ring with a cameo in the changing form of a monkey and a boy. Photo Sotheby's

the interior of the shank inscribed: Rev,d. L Kettlewell, chrysoberyl and gold, bezel: 11mm., 7/16 in., shank interior: 19.15mm., ¾in., ring size: S. Estimation 3,000 — 5,000 GBP - Lot. Vendu 8,125 GBP

This intriguing little cameo ring changes form. Viewed from above we see a boy, but when the cameo is turned towards its side, we see a monkey. A chrysoberyl monkey, dating to the early 17th century, was found in the Cheapside Hoard Jewels (Forsyth, op. cit.). According to Hazel Forsyth, monkeys were said to be a creature full of 'plaguy tricks' and human vices (op. cit.). The use of chrysoberyl for the portrayal of monkeys, albeit very rare, was widely known, and was specifically discussed by Pierre Jean Mariette in his 1750 volume, Traité des pierres gravées. Two chrysoberyl monkeys were auctioned in Paris in 1745 in sale of M. le Chevalier de La Roque, lots 417 and 446.

RELATED LITERATURE: P-J. Mariette, Traité des pierres gravées, Paris, 1750, vol. i, pp. 176-177; D. Scarisbrick, Rings. Symbols of Wealth, Power and Affection, London, 1993, p. 138; H. Forsyth, The Cheapside Hoard. London's Lost Jewels, London, 2013, p. 181

Sotheby's. Old Master Sculpture and Works of Art. London | 10 juil. 2014 -www.sothebys.com