{"product_id":"antique-early-19th-century-south-indian-gold-nali-ring-with-emerald-pearls","title":"19th Century South India ‘Nalī’ Ring","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eA remarkable early 19th-century \u003cem\u003enalī\u003c\/em\u003e ring from Tamil Nadu, South India, inspired by traditional \u003cem\u003evanki\u003c\/em\u003e armlets. These distinctive wishbone-shaped rings were crafted for ceremonial purposes and often gifted to South Indian brides, typically by a maternal aunt, as noted by Nanditha Krishna (1991).\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThis example is masterfully crafted from high-karat 22K gold, worked in \u003cem\u003erepoussé\u003c\/em\u003e to create a hollow yet sculptural form. The face features an intricate depiction of a deity, probably Lakshmi or Vishnu with dancing attendants. . At the base, a faceted emerald is bezel-set, with three natural pearls suspended below, freely dangling from gold wire.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eMeasuring 2.5cm north to south, the ring is approximately a UK size Q 1\/2 (US 8.5) and it weighs 4.35g. Despite its age, the ring remains in good overall condition, retaining its fine detailing and rich gold patina. There is evidence of a past repair on the shoulders. The ring is stamped with a later French ‘owl’ control mark, a legal requirement when it was brought into or sold in the country. \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eSimilar rings are housed in prestigious museum collections, including the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum (Accession No: IS.469-2019) and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA No. AC1994.175.1). An exquisite piece of South Indian heritage, steeped in symbolism and tradition.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ravensbury Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49059314172212,"sku":"1017810268","price":3546.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/files\/0G2A8772_3168711.jpg?v=1773083379","url":"https:\/\/ravensburyantiques.com\/it-it\/products\/antique-early-19th-century-south-indian-gold-nali-ring-with-emerald-pearls","provider":"Ravensbury Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}