Antique 10K Gold Sardonyx Soldier Ring - 9.75 Size

Question
I recently purchased and antique 10k yellow gold cameo ring that features  a 16x12 Sardonyx oval carved portrait of a soldier facing left. the ring weighs 8.2 grams and the ring size is 9.75.  The ring has lots of luster - as if it were brand new. There are a few chips (seen through a high coin magnifier) along the faces edge. The overall condition of the ring is great!

on the inside of the rig is marked 10k and another make that look similar to a small bow-tie with a  clear S in the right side of the bow-tie shape (or left, depending on which way you hold the ring) the other appears to be a cursive L or T maybe a Q on the opposite side inside the bow-tie shape.

I was told by the auction house that this was indeed an antique ring.
Anyway you can help would be greatly appreciated
thank you,
Matthew

Answer
Hi Matthew, Sopunds like a nice item! Without seeing the item I am a bit lost of course about ascertaing its antique authenticity which by the way is 100 years or more. My best advice is to take it to an independent appraiser to get a positive ID on the ring. The nicks are quie common if the shell is hand carved and may tell its age. Good luck.

Steve Kretser