5188

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    Indian Gold & Pearl Nose Ring (Nath)

    India, probably Rajasthan
    circa 1900

    width: 3.5cm, weight: 6.22g

    Sold

    Provenance

    private collection, UK.

    – scroll down to see further images –

    This fine gold nose ring or nath is decorated with multiple pearls and rubies and an emerald. The gold is further decorated with pearled and twisted gold wire applique.

    Mostly worn by Hindu women in India, such nose rings or naths also were worn by Indian Muslim women who, historically, have been acculturated with Hindu ways.

    Generally, they were worn by married women – as an indicator of their married status – usually through a piercing in the left nostril. Once a woman was widowed, her nath was discarded.

    The example here is well made, with all the elements secured into place with fine gold wire.

    It is in excellent condition.

    References

    Utracht, O., Traditional Jewelry of India, Thames & Hudson, 1997.

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