First century Gnostic, Abraxas intaglio ring

Description

Blood stone intaglio of an Abraxas in high carat modern setting.

Abraxas is a Deity in the Gnostic faith. In Gnostic cosmology, the 7 letters spelling its name represent each of the 7 classic planets—Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.It was engraved on certain antique gemstones, called on that account Abraxas stones, which were used as amulets or charms. As the initial spelling on stones was ‘Abrasax’ (Αβρασαξ)

Opinions abound on Abraxas, who in recent centuries has been claimed to be both an Egyptian god and a demon.The Swiss Psychologist Carl Jung wrote a short Gnostic treatise in 1916 called The Seven Sermons to the Dead, which called Abraxas a God higher than the Christian God and Devil, that combines all opposites into one Being.
The intaglio is inscribed on the back with the words ABRACA= ABRAXAS and MIXAEL=Michael

The stone must have been carved during the Christian era of Gnosticism

Size of bezel : 18 x 15 mm

Ring size : “M” = “6” + 1/2

Weight : 11.5 grams