This adjustable ring in sterling silver depicts the mythological hero Menelaus. Known for his strength of character, Menelaus inherited his armor (the helmet is sculpted into the face of the ring in great detail) from the great warrior and leader, Ulysses. The band of the ring has a love poem by the ancient Greek poet, Nossis. Living in southern Italy approximately 2500 years ago, Nossis’s poetry has survived the ages. The fragment on the ring says: ‘Nothing is sweeter than love, no treasure more precious, even honey is bitter in comparison. So Says Nossis.’ Cast in Italy from an antique intaglio purchased in a Roman street market.

Available as earrings with or without stones and pearls (please inquire) and in oxidized sterling silver or antiqued gold, as a ring in oxidized sterling or plated in heavy non tarnish 18k gold or as a bracelet (see other listings).

Nossis lived and wrote poetry at Locri, a Greek colony (and now an Ancient Greek settlement) that founded 700 years before Christ. She lived around the 3rd century before Christ. Locri cultivated and sent wheat back to the Greek city states and was part of what the ancient Romans called ‘Magna Graecia’ (Greater Greece) and what is now the Italian region of Calabria . At Locri in particular there was a religious sanctuary and a rich cultural activity.

Her poetry is found in fragments of ancient texts that found their way through the dark ages thanks to being recorded and quoted by other authors and despite many important ancient libraries being destroyed.

Available in sterling silver.

FULVA FUSCA