Kufic Script was developed a thousand years ago or more in the town of Kufa, a centre of learning in what is now southern Iraq, and is characterized by an angular rectilinear horizontal form. It has always been basically calligraphic and is still today used ornamentally. The above handcarved Cornelian seal dates from the late 1800s. Cornelian, a reddish brown Chalcedony, has since ancient times been favoured for use in seals: 1. because it can be exactly carved; 2. because hot wax will not stick to it; 3. for its beauty.
This Kufic Script Cornelian seal was sourced from an Afghani trader in the Afghan Building in Peshawar in the very early 2000s. Of middle eastern origin, the Cornelian gemstone itself would certainly have been sourced from the ancient mines of Gujerat on the west coast of India, above Bombay, source of the finest of this gemstone since Pharaonic days.
The 9ct Rose Gold used in the above Sydney-handmade ring setting perfectly complements the lovely warm orange-brown of the old Cornelian seal. This Rose Gold was created at the bench by the bench jeweller who handcrafted the ring itself, specifically for the old seal.
The weight of the 9ct Rose Gold used in this ring is just over 6 grams; a substantial ring and seriously sturdy.