1960s Gold Navratna Ring
A simple Navratna ring dating from the latter half of the 20th century. Navratna is a compound Sanskrit word meaning, literally, "nine gems". Jewellery of this type holds special significance to many southern and south-eastern Asian cultures, where they are said to bring the wearer talismanic benefits towards heath and wellbeing, in addition to being symbolic of status and wealth. Each of the nine gemstones represents a different celestial body, and a different compass point, and as such must be set in the correct position around the central ruby. From Thai astrologer Horacharn Thep Sarikabutr's 'Parichad-Jataka' (chapter 2, verse 21, page 35–36):
"Top quality and flawless ruby is the gem for the Sun, natural pearl for the Moon, red coral for Mars, emerald for Mercury, yellow sapphire for Jupiter, diamond for Venus, blue sapphire for Saturn, hessonite for Rahu (ascending lunar node), and cat's eye for Ketu (descending lunar node)."
The ring should be worn such that when the hand is outstretched to the east, the yellow sapphire points north, the diamond point east, the red coral south, and the blue sapphire west. This ring is set with the nine stones mentioned above arranged in three diagonal "bands" traversing the face, crafted in 22ct yellow gold. Note: in this case the red coral is replaced by pink topaz. No idea why.
Era: Art Deco, circa 1960
Ring size: Q or 8.25 US. Resizable for £35
Width at head: 8.3mm
Stones: Ruby, natural pearl, pink topaz, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, hessonite garnet, cat's eye chrysoberyl
Marks: Stamped 22k, likely Indian
Condition: Great vintage condition
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This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
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Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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