A curious and collectable elephant hair ring with two strands of thick elephant hair, wrapped in rolled gold and decorated with several natural coral beads.
Curator’s Notes
Elephant hair jewellery emerged during the British Raj in India in the 19th century, where it was believed that strands from an elephant’s tail carried protective and lucky properties. These coarse black hairs were woven or set into gold rings, bracelets and bands, often given as talismans or sentimental gifts. For British officers and travellers, such pieces became meaningful souvenirs, blending colonial encounter with local symbolism and superstition.
This ring also incorporates coral, which has further talismanic properties and was often gifted to children to encourage good fortune and health.
Details:
Date: Late Victorian circa 1898
Hallmarks: No hallmarks, the gold wrapped sections are rolled gold, as opposed to solid gold. The rolled gold is in excellent condition with no wear or patina.
Size and weight: Uk size N, US size approx 7
Weighs 1.1 grams
Condition: The ring is in excellent condition with no damage. The coral is deep salmon pink and the hair rolled gold is bright yellow.
A curious and collectable elephant hair ring with two strands of thick elephant hair, wrapped in rolled gold and decorated with several natural coral beads.
Curator’s Notes
Elephant hair jewellery emerged during the British Raj in India in the 19th century, where it was believed that strands from an elephant’s tail carried protective and lucky properties. These coarse black hairs were woven or set into gold rings, bracelets and bands, often given as talismans or sentimental gifts. For British officers and travellers, such pieces became meaningful souvenirs, blending colonial encounter with local symbolism and superstition.
This ring also incorporates coral, which has further talismanic properties and was often gifted to children to encourage good fortune and health.
Details:
Date: Late Victorian circa 1898
Hallmarks: No hallmarks, the gold wrapped sections are rolled gold, as opposed to solid gold. The rolled gold is in excellent condition with no wear or patina.
Size and weight: Uk size N, US size approx 7
Weighs 1.1 grams
Condition: The ring is in excellent condition with no damage. The coral is deep salmon pink and the hair rolled gold is bright yellow.
