A RUBY-SET GOLD 'FLOWER AND BIRD' PRIEST'S RING Indonesia, Bali, 19^th to early 20^th century. The gold ring with a conical bezel surmounted by a ruby cabochon, held by two beak-shaped braces, the bezel with intricate granular decorations depicting flowers, the sides inset with two smaller ruby cabochons.

Provenance: From the private collection of a diplomat in England, and thence by descent to the last owner.
Condition: Very good condition with minor old wear, traces of use and some manufacturing irregularities.

Weight: 4.36 g
Dimensions: Height 2.3 cm

Goldsmiths in Bali are masters of the granulation technique. Small gold grains are delicately soldered to the ring surface to create intricate designs. A gold strip is additionally folded over the primary stone, holding the stone and forming a collar around it. This lot is a remarkable example of the southern Balinese style, with the birds' beaks serving as prongs to hold the ruby stone, a concept known from the Majapahit empire that flourished in the 14^th century.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby's Hong Kong, lot 1018
Price: HKD 44,100 or approx. EUR 5,400 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gem-set gold 'flower and bird' priest's ring Bali, Indonesia, 19th - early 20th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and decorations of the gold ring.