Ring
Unknown Artist
17th century
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Max. Diam. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm) Diam. of bezel. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm)
Classification
Jewelry
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, 2008
Accession Number
2008.565
Art Historical Context
This exquisite 17th-century gold, hailing from the Islamic world, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Ottoman, Safavid, or Mughal artisans during a golden age of metalworking. Crafted entirely from gold—a precious metal symbolizing wealth and spiritual purity in Islamic culture—the ring features a modest bezel measuring 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) within a maximum diameter of 1 1/8 inches (2.9 cm), making it a delicate piece suited for everyday wear or special occasions. In the 17th century, jewelry like this served multifaceted roles: as personal adornment, seals for documents, or talismans invok...