A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

People on a ring - from China?

A small find from Asia, I assume China, showing a a quite elaborate scene with two people and a flower. There is a kind of hallmark inside.I found some references calling this type of jewellery "opera ring". I wondered if someone might know more about these....
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  • Inside view:2506025686?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024

  • Lovely ring, Betty... and with an interesting history. I thought it might have a connection with Peking opera and it has. Apparently, these rings were sold by travelling Peking opera  companies as souvenirs.... in much the same way as current rock bands sell accompanying merchandise.

  • Dear Betty, I was thinking about your opera ring last night and how interesting it is that, even in the past, wandering groups of players increased their income by selling souvenirs of their performances. Maybe your lovely ring shows a scene from one of the operas. It would be very interesting to know which one and which company performed. I wonder if the characters on the inside of the ring give any information about that.

  • Dear Thelma, Thank you so much for this interesting information. And yes, it is amazing how many things we consider to be modern phenomena have existed before in different forms. Of course, these rings are much nicer than lousy mass-produced t-shirts ... :-). I agree that it would be great to read what's written on the inside. Unfortunately I have no one at hand who could help with deciphering it...

  • I believe that the hallmarks are the maker's marks.  Usually the shop where a piece was made and the silver percentage.

  • Yes, I agree about the tee-shirts. You have to know your audiences' tastes:)) If Hillary is right about the hallmark, then maybe the only way of finding out about the title of the opera would be to interpret the picture on the ring. Someone must know.

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