India, 19th century CE. 18 karat gold hollow bead necklace with a small ruby as its centerpiece; this object is an antique dowry payment. For centuries, Indian marriages have been sealed with gold; this is worn by the bride in the form of fabulous earrings, bracelets, and necklaces like this one. Dowries (although now illegal, still a wide practice) offer a chance to demonstrate the wealth and status of the bride's family; in southern India, the bride's family could be expected to give up to a kilogram of total gold. This piece is wearable and gorgeous, with small, angular gold beads forming the chain and a variety of three-dimensional symbols, including fish, lions' heads, and flowers, dangling off the length of the chain; a centerpiece has a Buddha's head atop a round piece inset with a ruby. Small spherical gold beads contribute to the glittering design. Size: 16.75" L x 1.2" W (42.5 cm x 3 cm)

Provenance: Ex - private San Diego, CA collection

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