During the process of designing my own custom engagement ring, I was inspired to pay homage to my Indonesian heritage. My design was influenced by my encounter with two captivating rings–one originating from the Javanese culture and the other steeped in the rich history of Hindu mythology.
My journey began on a trip to New York, at the Met, where I had the privilege of exploring their treasure trove of cultural artifacts. Among the exhibits, I stumbled upon a collection of ancient Javanese rings dated to the time of the Mataram Kingdom (the namesake of this new design), each exuding an air of opulence and grandeur. What drew me in was their substantial presence, characterized by their weightiness, commanding shoulders, and crisp lines. These rings seemed to embody a sense of regality and strength.
Historically, Indonesia has been highly influenced by South Asia. Since the 5th century, various Indianised states and empires have flourished in Indonesia, including the Mataram Empire. This rich historical connection became the foundation for my engagement ring.
Further along my visit to the museum, I was led through the Southeast Asian section and eventually into the South Asian wing. Here, I encountered another mesmerizing ring, crafted from solid gold, and adorned with an intricate depiction of a lotus flanked by two parrots. While undoubtedly captivating, I couldn't help but feel that this ring was missing a central focal point, a gemstone that would make it dazzle.
It was at this juncture that my mind gravitated towards the Hindu creation myth, a narrative that had left an imprint on my consciousness. It is said, Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe, rested upon the serpent of eternity within the cosmic ocean. Enveloped by the darkness of an eternal night, Vishnu's slumber is stirred by the resonating hum of "Om," the primordial sound of creation. As the aeons draw to a close, a lotus blossom emerges from Vishnu's navel, cradling the deity Brahma. Vishnu imparts upon Brahma the task of fashioning the world, an epoch destined to endure for 432,000 years.
This mythic narrative echoed in my mind as I contemplated my engagement ring design. The imagery of Vishnu reclining on the serpent of eternity, the emergence of the lotus from his navel, and the directive to Brahma to craft a world all resonated deeply with the emotions and intentions underlying my commitment. Thus, the Mataram set was born, with the two bands inspired by the sinewy shape of cobras, and the central ring by the lotus flower.
The lotus, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and rebirth embodies the heartfelt journey that love represents. Crafted from solid gold, the central mount of the lotus solitaire ring adds a touch of opulence. The ring itself boasts a total weight of just under 9g of 18k gold, contributing to its hefty and luxurious feel. While not a literal lotus shape, the mount of the ring with its rounded underbelly that curves up and out like a blooming lotus, presents the diamond in a manner reminiscent of this sacred flower.
The cobra, with its serpentine grace and eternal nature, encircles the central ring on both ends, a reminder of the forces that bind us and the enduring strength of our bond. The cobra band, although not a direct replica of a cobra, takes inspiration from its form, with side hoods that resemble the shoulders of the band, conveying the spirit of a fighter with the power, confidence, and strength of this majestic creature. The symbolism of the cobra resonates deeply with the battles that love often entails–the challenges overcome, the fears to face, and the adversities to conquer. Like the cobra, which stands tall and unyielding, ready to defend and strike when necessary, the cobra band represents the tenacity required to fight for and protect the sanctity of love.
In fusing the opulence of the Javanese rings with the symbolism of the Hindu creation myth, my custom engagement ring design is a testament to the rich interplay between cultures, stories, and personal narratives, culminating in a piece of jewelry that is both exquisite and filled with deep meaning.
If the story and symbolism behind this alternative and unique engagement ring and band resonate with you, or if you're inspired to create a personalized ring that embodies your own journey of love, I invite you to collaborate with me to design a custom piece that holds deep meaning and beauty. Let's bring your vision to life together.