I am always surprised at the detail which can be read and understood in a small space. Think of the image on the American dime, for example, or any other small coin. I have a ring (worn on the small finger of my left hand) that has a stone ( bloodstone, I believe) which is roughly 3/8 X 1/2 and it shows a shield, with three garbs and a chevron, clearly visible, though not with my bifocals off. This ring is probably late 19th century, definitely American.

I have seen the shop and some samples of the work of Mikhail Smolkin, in Charleston, SC. I do not know about his prices, but here is a link to his site...

http://www.fineartjewelry.com/

Most of what I see there is cameos, but I believe he has carved seal rings as well...