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A rare late 19th century gem-set princely gold cluster ring made in Siam (Thailand).
This gorgeous and colourful gem-set cluster ring is intricately crafted in high-karat gold, by the goldsmiths of the Siam court in the 19th century. The centre features a rose cut diamond in a rubber gold setting which is riveted to the body of the ring which is visible from the underside, a feature typical of 18th and 19th century Siam rings . It is surrounded by a halo of rubies, garnets and diamonds, with emeralds on the shoulders. The thick gold band features pierced scrollwork motifs and is stamped with a French gold import mark from when it was later brought into the country.
This ring is a fine example of the lavish adornment worn by participants in royal and aristocratic life-cycle ceremonies in the courts of Bangkok. Aside from ceremonial use, they were also occasionally given as gifts to important visitors or other aristocratic families. Examples of these lavish jewels being worn can be seen on old photos and paintings of life-cycle ceremonies such as the Royal Tonsure Ceremony, also known as ‘the cutting of the top-knot’ ceremony, which marked the transition into adulthood for all of the (many!) sons and daughters of the Siam royal family. The huge expansion in the number of royals in 19th century Siam stemmed from Kings Mongkut (Rama IV) and Chulalongkorn (Rama V) being highly polygamous. They had a joint total of 124 wives and 159 royal children, each requiring their own ceremonial regalia and princely jewels. As a result, Bangkok became home to some incredibly skilled goldsmiths in this period.
The ring is in good and wearable condition, there is evidence of a historic resizing at the back of the band, and two of the stones appear two be later replacements.
It tests as solid 21K gold and weighs an impressive 12.93 grams in total.
Size: UK size L 1/2, US size 6
A rare late 19th century gem-set princely gold cluster ring made in Siam (Thailand).
This gorgeous and colourful gem-set cluster ring is intricately crafted in high-karat gold, by the goldsmiths of the Siam court in the 19th century. The centre features a rose cut diamond in a rubber gold setting which is riveted to the body of the ring which is visible from the underside, a feature typical of 18th and 19th century Siam rings . It is surrounded by a halo of rubies, garnets and diamonds, with emeralds on the shoulders. The thick gold band features pierced scrollwork motifs and is stamped with a French gold import mark from when it was later brought into the country.
This ring is a fine example of the lavish adornment worn by participants in royal and aristocratic life-cycle ceremonies in the courts of Bangkok. Aside from ceremonial use, they were also occasionally given as gifts to important visitors or other aristocratic families. Examples of these lavish jewels being worn can be seen on old photos and paintings of life-cycle ceremonies such as the Royal Tonsure Ceremony, also known as ‘the cutting of the top-knot’ ceremony, which marked the transition into adulthood for all of the (many!) sons and daughters of the Siam royal family. The huge expansion in the number of royals in 19th century Siam stemmed from Kings Mongkut (Rama IV) and Chulalongkorn (Rama V) being highly polygamous. They had a joint total of 124 wives and 159 royal children, each requiring their own ceremonial regalia and princely jewels. As a result, Bangkok became home to some incredibly skilled goldsmiths in this period.
The ring is in good and wearable condition, there is evidence of a historic resizing at the back of the band, and two of the stones appear two be later replacements.
It tests as solid 21K gold and weighs an impressive 12.93 grams in total.
Size: UK size L 1/2, US size 6
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