Indian Gold Arsi Mirror Ring
From the Journal
Pavithra and Navaratna Rings: The Sacred Gold Rings of India
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A rare 18th-century Indian 'arsi' or mirror ring in high-carat gold, with a heart-shaped mirror framed by rubies.Arsi rings were worn by women at the royal courts of India. The small mirror let the wearer check her reflection discreetly, and tradition says brides wore them on the thumb to glimpse the groom from beneath the veil. Most are circular; this heart shape, inspired by the leaf of the sacred peepal tree, is much rarer.The gold tests at approximately 23-24K and the stones are set in the traditional Indian kundan technique. Nine cabochon rubies circle the mirror, twelve more run along the band, and a single emerald sits at the top of the heart: over 2ct of stones in all. The 1cm mirror is probably silver foil beneath rock crystal.Very small, it may have been made as a midi ring or for a slender finger.Details: 18th century; South India; tests as approx. 23-24K gold; 21 cabochon rubies and an emerald, over 2ct in total; mirror 1cm; band 3mm at the back; UK C½, US 1¾; 8.62g.Condition: Remarkably good for its age, and fully wearable.
A rare 18th-century Indian 'arsi' or mirror ring in high-carat gold, with a heart-shaped mirror framed by rubies.
Arsi rings were worn by women at the royal courts of India. The small mirror let the wearer check her reflection discreetly, and tradition says brides wore them on the thumb to glimpse the groom from beneath the veil. Most are circular; this heart shape, inspired by the leaf of the sacred peepal tree, is much rarer.
The gold tests at approximately 23-24K and the stones are set in the traditional Indian kundan technique. Nine cabochon rubies circle the mirror, twelve more run along the band, and a single emerald sits at the top of the heart: over 2ct of stones in all. The 1cm mirror is probably silver foil beneath rock crystal.
Very small, it may have been made as a midi ring or for a slender finger.
Details: 18th century; South India; tests as approx. 23-24K gold; 21 cabochon rubies and an emerald, over 2ct in total; mirror 1cm; band 3mm at the back; UK C½, US 1¾; 8.62g.
Condition: Remarkably good for its age, and fully wearable.
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