14K Yellow Gold Rectangular Antique Gambling Chip Ring.
Designed by Donna Chambers.
This unusual, handcrafted Chinese work of art dating back more than 250
years was once a gambling chip. Very fashionable at the time, many of
the mother of earl pieces were custom-made at the request of British
royalty and nobility, bearing family crests and or initials on one
side. Most of the counters were made while brilliant philosopher Ching
Lung was in power from 1736 until 1796. A heavy, carved variety counter
cut from thicker mother of pearl was crafted during the rule of Chia
Ching between 1800 and 1820. Approximately 100 years ago, these Chinese
works of art were transported to England when the British were ousted
from China for perpetuating the Opium Wars. During their more than 250
year life span, these counters have been cherished by royalty and
nobility and many other historical personalities. Only now, a full
century later, are they being rediscovered and appreciated once again
for their exquisite beauty.