It is an allegory that portrays Louis XV of France as Mangogul, Sultan of Congo, who owns a magic ring that makes women's vaginas ("jewels") talk.

The character of Mirzoza represents Louis XV's mistress Madame de Pompadour.

[1] Diderot portrayed Pompadour in a flattering light in The Indiscreet Jewels, most likely to ensure her support for his Encyclopedie.

[2] Sultan Mangogul of Congo is bored with life at court and suspects his mistress Mirzoza of infidelity.

[5][6] However, since the ring has the additional property of making its owner invisible when required, a few of the sexual experiences are recounted through direct observation, as the Sultan makes himself invisible in the unsuspecting woman's boudoir.