Central Asia, India, Mughal Empire, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. An incredible 16 karat gold pendant with inlaid round pearls, emerald, and multi-colored sapphires (eight total). In the center is a larger stone, a cabochon yellow star sapphire. The pendant is oval, with each gem around the edge inlaid above a raised triangle. The edges are slightly pointed, with single granules between each stone. Size: 0.75" W x 1" H (1.9 cm x 2.5 cm); largest stone is 0.2" (0.5 cm)

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.

Provenance: private San Diego, California, USA collection

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#125785

Very light signs of wear and age. Slight bending to form on the back.