Elephant hair jewelry was popular amongst Victorians during the Raj-era. Souvenirs like this ring would have been brought home from faraway lands travelled to during “The Grand Tour”, where young English elites would travel around Europe and beyond to expand their horizons and learn about languages, geography, culture and the arts.
Many people believe that elephants bring luck and that such pieces bless the wearer with health, love, prosperity and progress.
This ring is one of the most beautiful examples I've come across. It features a buttery 18k gold half knot front with elephant hair inserted into it to create the shank. The ring is unmarked but acid tests as 18k gold and weighs 3.6g. The face is 11mm tall. You will receive the pictured ring.
The hair is pressure fit into the gold along with some old glue, which is visible upon inspection. While it sits at 2.25 on a mandrel, it falls off my size 2.75 finger and is approximately a size 3/3.25 due to it not being perfectly round. Please see all photos.
* Props used in photos, such as antique boxes, are not included in purchases. Your item will come boxed and packaged in Black Umbrella Jewelry custom packaging.
All my pieces ship from my studio in Toronto, ON. Please check out my shop policies before purchasing and/or should you have any questions.
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