Prosecutors allege Stephen Brisbane, 33, severed Sandra McGowan’s right hand with a knife at her home in Dundee in February.
Mr Brisbane is accused of taking away the 62-year-old’s hand in order to steal her ring after entering her home uninvited.
It is also claimed he stole a number of items including a mobile phone and door fob.
No plea was entered during a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.
Lord Mulholland continued the case until July.