Ring

Unknown

late 18th century · Gold; semi-precious stones, glass · Islamic Art

This delicate gold ring with inlaid turquoise and glass once belonged to a wealthy woman of the Ottoman upper classes. Only a few of the five incrusted pieces remain. It was common in Ottoman bridal jewelry to integrate red and turquoise colors in the form of semi-precious stones or glass. These colors were thought to have protective value, while red is also associated with blood. These two colors were particularly favored in bridal jewelry as a way of ensuring a healthy life and life cycle of the bride and protecting her during childbirth.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 18th century

Medium

Gold; semi-precious stones, glass

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Gloria Mizrahi in memory of Reuben M. Mizrahi, 2022