-
A scarce late 19th century gold ‘priest’s ring’ from the island of Bali, Indonesia.
The ring is a fantastic example of the southern Balinese style, where the shoulders are decorated with hummingbirds. The birds' beaks serve as prongs to hold the primary stone, a concept known from 15th-century East Java Majaphait times, and the tail extends down the band.
As expected with Balinese gem-set gold rings made in this period, the present ring is of hollow construction, crafted in high-karat gold and set with a polished glass cabochon. The conical-shaped bezel holding a red glass gemstone of a bright colour, neatly held in position by two horizontal gold beak-shaped prongs. The bezel is intricately decorated with granulation (ring gold balls) and ropework, the most typical characteristic of Balinese workmanship.
A similar example was offered for sale at Sothebys Hong Kong in 2021 in the famed ‘Golden Splendour’ sale from the Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter Collection. See final photo for side-by-side comparison.
UK ring size I 1/2, US size 4.5
The ring weighs a total of 3.62 grams. It tests as 21 karat gold.
Despite its impressive age, the ring is in wearable condition. The glass cabochon is securely set; however there is lots of surface wear making the appearance seem rough and worn. There is a dent to one of the shoulders and there is also evidence of a historic resizing.
The stone measures 6mm x 4.5mm x 2mm, and the ring protrudes approximately 9mm from the base of the finger.
A scarce late 19th century gold ‘priest’s ring’ from the island of Bali, Indonesia.
The ring is a fantastic example of the southern Balinese style, where the shoulders are decorated with hummingbirds. The birds' beaks serve as prongs to hold the primary stone, a concept known from 15th-century East Java Majaphait times, and the tail extends down the band.
As expected with Balinese gem-set gold rings made in this period, the present ring is of hollow construction, crafted in high-karat gold and set with a polished glass cabochon. The conical-shaped bezel holding a red glass gemstone of a bright colour, neatly held in position by two horizontal gold beak-shaped prongs. The bezel is intricately decorated with granulation (ring gold balls) and ropework, the most typical characteristic of Balinese workmanship.
A similar example was offered for sale at Sothebys Hong Kong in 2021 in the famed ‘Golden Splendour’ sale from the Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter Collection. See final photo for side-by-side comparison.
UK ring size I 1/2, US size 4.5
The ring weighs a total of 3.62 grams. It tests as 21 karat gold.
Despite its impressive age, the ring is in wearable condition. The glass cabochon is securely set; however there is lots of surface wear making the appearance seem rough and worn. There is a dent to one of the shoulders and there is also evidence of a historic resizing.
The stone measures 6mm x 4.5mm x 2mm, and the ring protrudes approximately 9mm from the base of the finger.
OUR PROMISE
We will always guarantee the authenticity of every piece we sell
We offer a no questions asked 30-day return policy on all orders
All our items are sent boxed and gift wrapped with free global insured shipping
We examine, describe and photograph all our jewellery with the utmost care
