This vintage sterling silver ring from Tibet is done in chip inlay style. The centerpiece is a turquoise stone surrounded by 8 pieces of Mediterranean red coral.

Coral has been traded with Tibet since the days of the silk road. It’s a favorite stone in jewelry in Italy, Tunisia, America (Southwest), Nigeria, Bali, Nepal, India, and Tibet. In Tibet, the stone came to symbolize life/blood. Many of the stones have been in circulation since the silk road, and are reused in various pieces.

Turquoise has been traded between Tibet and Iran since ancient times. It’s a very popular stone in the region whose popularity caught on in Europe via the Turks, hence the francophone name “Turquoise”. Tibet is known for it’s brilliant chip inlay designs and saddle rings.

The silver is elemental silver in it’s alloy form or Sterling Silver. Tibet, like many others around the world, used silver for jewelry because of its malleability. There is also another copper/nickel/tin alloy called Tibetan silver. This was used because that alloy has some of the same properties metalsmiths want when making jewelry: lower melting point and malleability. That’s how elemental silver, like gold, became desirable historically. This piece, however, was tested and it’s elemental silver alloy/sterling silver.

As of this post, I have two of these. This one is a 7.5. It weighs in at 21 grams and is absolutely a statement ring. I also, as of this posting, have a matching cuff bracelet. I’d only wear one of these rings at a time, as it says a lot, but you can always go all out and wear two.

Caring for this piece is easy. Be sure to check out our care guide for tips that’ll make this vintage ring become an antique.

Sizing Guide: https://nasadotrading.com/post/947511843508