{"product_id":"antique-mughal-ruby-and-polki-rock-crystal-gold-ring-hyderabad-india-c-1850","title":"Antique Indian Ruby Ring","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eA rare Mughal gem-set gold ring dating to around 1850, very likely made in Hyderabad; one of the great centres of Indian goldsmithing during the late Mughal period.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eCrafted in exceptionally high karat gold, testing approximately 22K, the ring takes an unusual wraparound form with a curved rectangular bezel designed to sit closely against the finger. The central cluster is set with polki-cut foiled rock crystal surrounding a rectangular cabochon ruby, while the shoulders and band are further decorated with vivid cabochon rubies in enclosed collet settings, creating an almost eternity-style arrangement around the entire ring.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe pale stones are not diamonds, but rock crystal; thin polished slices mounted over reflective foil in the traditional Mughal manner. Foiling enhanced luminosity and depth in candlelight and was an important part of historic Indian gem-setting practice. The ring also retains its traditional lac core beneath the gold mount. Lac; a natural resin compound; was commonly used in Indian jewellery to support gemstones within very high karat gold settings, as pure gold alone was too soft to structurally support complex jewels.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe side profile is especially attractive, with finely engraved geometric decoration complementing the architectural arrangement of the stones.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eWeight: 10.91g\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eSize: UK P 1\/2 \/ US 8\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eHead measures approximately 16 x 11mm\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eTests as approximately 22K gold\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIn remarkably good condition for its age and fully wearable today, with all stones secure and crisp engraved detail throughout. A rare and highly distinctive example of 19th century Mughal jewellery.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ravensbury Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49123938500916,"sku":"1017810293","price":6269.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/files\/DSC_0393_3482986.jpg?v=1778183692","url":"https:\/\/ravensburyantiques.com\/en-ca\/products\/antique-mughal-ruby-and-polki-rock-crystal-gold-ring-hyderabad-india-c-1850","provider":"Ravensbury Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}