Stunning hessonite garnet weighing 35.86 carats sculpted in the lively image of an orangutan head mounted in a beautiful 24 karat gold ring. The garnet was highly prized in the Classical world. Its rich color, the reddish purple associated with royalty, made it especially sought after for jewelry. The garnet was also favored in the jewelry of the European Dark Ages and Medieval period. The famous Sutton Hoo Treasure found in England contains over 4,000 cut and faceted garnets. As with many gems, the finest varieties come from India, which was true in Antiquity as well as today. According to Talmudic legend, the only source of light on Noah's Ark was a single large garnet. Therapeutically, garnet is believed to keep the wearer free from wounds and to promote good health in general. It is especially useful for preventing skin disorders and giving a glowing complexion. This radiate reddish-brown garnet is sculpted in the lively image of an orangutan head. Delicately carved striations form the long strands of the primate's hair, which frame his highly expressive face. Mounted in a stunning gold ring setting, this miniature sculpture is truly a work of art, one that will most certainly be a pleasure to wear. - (FJ.5289)Origin: South Africa Collection: Modern Jewelry Style: Garnet Ring Medium: Garnet and Gold

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