Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c22.140

c22.140

*Bezels* It may be remarked that bezels with teeth or claws were unknown to Sinhalese jewellers until modern times. When first introduced they were not ineffectively used, but are now reduced to pin-like and hardly effective teeth which, as explained, fail to hold the gem firmly. Old settings rather resembled damascening, in that the gem was held by the undercut surface of the metal, as in a ‘gipsy’ ring. But the most characteristic setting was that known as *tahaḍu kola bẹmma*, where the gems are set in soft gold over wax, the gold being moulded and pressed into shape around the gem as the work proceeds. Work so done is extremely rich and decorative in effect, but difficult to repair.