Antique Victorian Era 14ct Gold Braided Elephant Hair Ring
Dating to the days of the British Raj - 1858 to 1947, this particular example we believe would date to around the turn of the century.
Crafted from 14ct gold to the plain 1cm section, and gold wire (probably not real gold) intertwining the braided elephant hair.
Dainty and petite this example measures approximately 3.6mm wide at the braided section and slightly wider at the plain section at 4.2mm.
In excellent condition this hard to find little treasure would make an exotic and ‘good luck’ addition to your stacking options as she pairs beautifully with many other bands!
STONES
None
MEASUREMENTS
3.6mm Wide
WEIGHT
0.50 Grams
MARKS
A tiny indecipherable stamp to inside gold section
Tested as around 14ct gold (slightly higher)
SIZE
J or 15.5mm diameter US 5 3/4
Cannot be resized
CONDITION
Excellent antique condition. No wear/splintering of elephant hair. Firm and solid.
HISTORY OF ELEPHANT HAIR JEWELLERY
Elephant hair jewellery is steeped in mythology and history, below is a very brief account.
Elephant hair jewellery originated thousands of years ago with the early African tribesmen who believed elephants were the only connection between the Heavens and the Earth. They would incorporate elephant tail hair into their jewellery to ward off illness, protect them from harm, to bring them love and happiness.
Later from around the mid eighteenth century when India came under British rule or 'Raj', British colonists, traders and tourist would travel to India to go on safari and hunt exotic game ( it happened.. we do not endorse this) .... they would ride on the back of the elephant and when finished they would commission pieces of jewellery to be made from their favourite mounts tail hair ( the elephant was not harmed !).
These exotic pieces would be brought back home as reminders of their safari and given to loved ones as gifts.
Please note, boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated.
Laybys & Hold Policy
Do you have your eye on a fabulous piece but need some extra time to
pay? At Graisons, we offer suitable layby terms for pieces priced $400 AUD and above. Contact us for more details.
Purchase Guide & Refund Policy
For information regarding our Purchase Guide & Returns Policy, please click here
Shipping & Delivery
Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
For all international purchases, a third party postal company will complete the final stage of delivery.
Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.
We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.
PLEASE NOTE: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibility. Please contact your local customs agency if you wish to discuss potential rates and fees.
Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
If your item includes an independent valuation, the physical certificate will be included.
Choose options