Gold Filigree Belt with Inlaid Gems - Detail

The gold filigree belt with gemstones is made up of 24 gold filigree belt ornaments, 2 gold buckles, and 1 detached gold bolt. It was customized to have 2 more pieces than normal Ming belts.The belt ornaments are crafted with fine gold wire twisted into a cloud pattern. The belt is set with a total of 84 gems, including rubies, sapphires, emeralds, aventurine, and feldspar. This belt has more gems than any other found in Prince Zhuang's tomb.

During the Ming dynasty, one or two emeralds could be sold for about 700 ounces of gold, showing their high value at the time.Literature from the Ming dynasty repeatedly references the rubies, opals, emeralds, and other jewels purchased by Zhang He in the western seas. These statements are fully confirmed by precious stones found in the tomb of Prince Zhuang.