Kuchi "Ruby" Ring

We love these old “Kuchi” rings. The term kuchi means “nomad“ in Farsi, and refers a number of different peoples that have traditionally migrated through Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Pashtun are the main group, but the Baluch, Hazara, Kazakh, Tajik, Turkmen, and Uzbek share many cultural similarities. They have all suffered decades of war, and relentless, cultural suppression. But their exuberant “bling” lives on!

Kuchi jewelery is made of a highly-variable alloy of copper, zinc and nickel, plus a small amount of silver obtained from melting down coins. The stones are usually glass, which is softer than most gemstones. In older pieces, it takes on the wonderful, grainy texture of sea glass. South Asian tribal jewelry is popular in Western festival culture, and a hallmark of “boho” style. But authentic, older pieces such as this are increasingly hard to find.

Size 8 (US)