A gold and coral saddle ring Tibet, 18th - 19th century | 十八至十九世紀 西藏 金嵌珊瑚蓮紋戒指

In Tibet, the most common gemstones used in jewellery and ritual ornaments are coral, turquoise, and pearls. Despite being in a territory rich in natural resources, Tibetans generally confine their choice of gemstones to these three varieties; they are opposed to the mining of precious stones, for fear of offending the gods and spiritual guardians.

Influenced by neighbouring cultures from India, Tibetans believed gemstones are prophylactic, possessing medicinal and magical properties. Gems were thought to represent the universe and take on the characteristics of the ruling planets. In this example, coral is associated with Mars and was considered a protection against fever and kidney disease. Tibetan also believed that gold possesses restorative qualities that could prolong life and ward off demons. 

This type of ring, which is popular throughout Tibet, is named after its resemblances to the high-shouldered Tibetan saddle.

藏人常用珊瑚、綠松石和珍珠這三類寶石作為首飾的主石。儘管西藏擁有自然資源豐富，藏人避免開採天然資源，或採礦這三類以外的寶石，以免惹怒神靈。

受鄰近印度文化的影響，藏人相信寶石根據自身特點能預防和治癒各種疾病。每顆寶石代表著相對行星的特性。以拍品1009為例，他們相信珊瑚與火星互相聯繫，可以預防肝臟和腎臟疾病。藏人亦相信黃金具有可以使人復活及辟邪的能力。

這類戒指於西藏非常流行。戒指的外形與馬鞍相似，英文名稱為「saddle ring」，意譯「馬鞍形戒指」。