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Two Garnet Portraits of Ptolemaic Kings Egypt Besides coins, some of the best examples of ruler likenesses are found on gemstones. When coin likenesses are lacking, portraits on gems such as these exquisitely carved garnets can carry, beyond their artistic value, important historical evidence. These two garnets are indispensable for identification of Ptolemies who have no known coin portraits. Although hard, brittle, and notoriously difficult to cut, the bright red garnets, imported after Alexander's conquest of India, became the favored gemstones of the Ptolemies. Our two portrait gems are part of a group of seven garnets in the museum's collection that include busts of Ptolemaic queens and kings as well as of cult deities (Tyche, Isis) associated with the royal imagery.
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