**First Time At Auction**

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Java, ca. 8th to 10th century CE. An incredible electrum ring, comprised of 63.29% gold (equivalent to 15K+) and 34.98% silver, and a cabochon garnet enclosed in a bezel cup with four prongs. A twisted gold wire wraps around the bands to the terminal ends with capped tips- it should be noted that most rings from Java have solid bands - this type has been proposed by researchers to be used as an earring - although the opening gap simply could have been to adjust the size. Art from this Classical Period of Javanese culture often depicts people wearing two rings on each hand and a ring on each foot - a telling sign of the wealth and flourishing metallurgy production! Size of band: 1.125" Diameter (2.9 cm); interior: 0.8" Diameter (2 cm); bezel: 0.4" Diameter (1 cm); electrum quality: 63.29% (equivalent to 15K+) gold, 34.98% silver; weight: 7.4 grams

For a similar example see the Metropolitan Museum of Artís website, accession number: 1998.544.355.

Javanese society during this time were known for their proficiency in high-quality gold craftsmanship, alloying gold and silver to create both beautiful and durable pieces - and art from this period often depicts people wearing two rings on each hand and a ring on each foot! Javanese metalsmiths were adept at producing highly aesthetic pieces with particular alloys depending on the function of the final piece. Gold smithing was a highly regarded skill and art in Java, and the ways that gold purity was determined (rubbing on a touchstone, beating or hammering, or melting, etc.) became metaphors for human qualities and virtues.

Provenance: private Boynton Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private Susan Ollemans collection, London, UK

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#178608

Minor nicks and pitting to bezel, otherwise intact and choice.