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Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring
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Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring

Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring

$6,499.32
Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring—
$6,499.32

The Story

This extraordinary antique 'mirror' ring, also known as an arsi ring, hails from 18th-century South India during the Mughal dynasty. Worn by women in the royal courts of India, these rings held a small mirror at their centre, enabling the wearer to discreetly check their reflection. Tradition also suggests that brides wore these rings on their thumbs, using the mirror to catch a glimpse of their groom from beneath their veils.

Crafted in high-karat gold (approximately 23-24K) using the traditional kundan setting technique, this piece features a heart-shaped motif - a design rooted in Indian culture and thought to have originated during the Indus Valley Civilisation, inspired by the sacred "peepal" tree leaves. Unlike the more common circular examples, this is a rare heart-shaped form.

The ring is set with nine cabochon-cut rubies encircling the central mirror, complemented by an additional twelve rubies along the band and a single emerald at the top of the heart. Together, the gemstones weigh over 2 carats. The mirror itself, measuring 1 cm in diameter, is likely composed of silver foil beneath a layer of rock crystal.

This unique ring weighs 8.62 grams and is particularly small, with a size of UK C½ (US 1.75). It may have originally been intended as a mid-finger ring or for someone with slender fingers.

Measurements:

  • Band width: 3 mm at the back.
  • Mirror diameter: 1 cm.

In remarkably good condition for its age, this piece remains fully wearable. Its rarity, coupled with its historical and cultural significance, makes it an exceptional collector's item or a meaningful addition to any jewellery collection.
Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring - Image 2

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring - Image 3

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring - Image 4

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring - Image 5

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring - Image 6

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring - Image 7

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring - Image 8

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring - Image 9

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring - Image 10

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring - Image 11

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring - Image 12

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Rare Antique Indian 'Mirror' Ring - Image 13

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Description

This extraordinary antique 'mirror' ring, also known as an arsi ring, hails from 18th-century South India during the Mughal dynasty. Worn by women in the royal courts of India, these rings held a small mirror at their centre, enabling the wearer to discreetly check their reflection. Tradition also suggests that brides wore these rings on their thumbs, using the mirror to catch a glimpse of their groom from beneath their veils.

Crafted in high-karat gold (approximately 23-24K) using the traditional kundan setting technique, this piece features a heart-shaped motif - a design rooted in Indian culture and thought to have originated during the Indus Valley Civilisation, inspired by the sacred "peepal" tree leaves. Unlike the more common circular examples, this is a rare heart-shaped form.

The ring is set with nine cabochon-cut rubies encircling the central mirror, complemented by an additional twelve rubies along the band and a single emerald at the top of the heart. Together, the gemstones weigh over 2 carats. The mirror itself, measuring 1 cm in diameter, is likely composed of silver foil beneath a layer of rock crystal.

This unique ring weighs 8.62 grams and is particularly small, with a size of UK C½ (US 1.75). It may have originally been intended as a mid-finger ring or for someone with slender fingers.

Measurements:

  • Band width: 3 mm at the back.
  • Mirror diameter: 1 cm.

In remarkably good condition for its age, this piece remains fully wearable. Its rarity, coupled with its historical and cultural significance, makes it an exceptional collector's item or a meaningful addition to any jewellery collection.