Thumb rings of this type were originally used in archery as a way of releasing the bowstring without injuring the hand. Thumb rings of precious materials became objects of royal status in the Mughal courts of India. Jewellers used the 'kundan' technique of setting precious stones into objects of garnet, jade and other materials with tiny strips of highly refined gold. This ring is made of semi-transparent garnet that contrasts with the diamonds set into it, which are backed with metal foil to help reflect the light. This example came from the collection of Colonel Charles Seton Guthrie, and was originally bought from him by the Indian Museum in Leadenhall Street, London, with objects made of jade, rock crystal or agate. All his pieces were transferred to the South Kensington Museum, later renamed the Victoria and Albert Museum, in 1879.