During the Qing Dynasty the upper class in China grew their fingernails long as a sign they didn't do any work.. Empress Qinglong was said to have 6-inch nails! Even in today's China some men also grow their forefinger long to show they don't need to labour.
This unusual jewellery is used to protect the fingernail.
(I have 2 similar designs, so actual rings may be slightly different pattern to that on picture)
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