Gold Ring Set With A Thewa Green Glass Plaque. English And Indian, 19th Century.

A gold ring set with a Thewa work green glass plaque.

The plaque most likely originates from Rajasthan, India. The ring bears rubbed English hallmarks and judging by the style of the Leopards head hallmark (denoting it’s manufacture in London) and a date letter of ‘U’ or ‘V’ to date from c.1835.

Ring size O 1/2 UK / 7.5 US.

The bezel measures 1.5 x 1.5cm.

Weight 3.1 grams.

Thewa art, originating in 18th-century Pratapgarh, Rajasthan, involves fusing intricate gold designs onto coloured glass, typically blue or green in early pieces. Nathu Lak Sonewal, a goldsmith, developed this process, kept a closely guarded family secret among male descendants. The belief was that involving female family members would risk compromising control and quality due to traditional living arrangements. Thewa designs often depict mythological, religious themes, or showcase meticulously crafted flora and fauna motifs.