Description:

Central Asia, India, Mughal Empire, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. A striking and ornate 77% gold (equivalent to 18K+) pendant studded with six cut rubies. Each inlaid ruby is encircled by granulations, highlighting the incredible skill and delicacy of Mughal artisans. This pendant is strung with over 100 modern emerald beads and a dozen gold seed beads to make a wonderfully wearable piece of antique jewelry. Size of pendant: 0.45" W (1.1 cm); size of rubies: 0.1" W (0.3 cm); chain is: 25.4" L (64.5 cm); pendant is 77% gold (equivalent to 18K+)

Mughal elites adored precious stones, not just for their beauty, but also for protective and magical properties that they believed each stone had. Their incredible jewelry is part of a long tradition that came to its height with the Mughals. When they conquered India from Central Asia, they brought the technical skills to set gems with them. In order to enforce their high social status, the Mughals passed Sumptuary Laws that decreed only members of the upper class could wear jewelry like this pendant.

Provenance: ex-private Houston, Texas, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#151110

  • Condition: Pendant is antique; all other beads and clasp are modern. The pendant is in beautiful condition with a few tiny scratches on the rubies.

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January 16, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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