Central Asia, modern Tajikistan/Uzbekistan region, ca. 19th century CE. A massive necklace, made of silver, with eight small gold plaques on its wide, multi-chained arms. These plaques have repousse birds, flowers, and vines on them. A huge silver scroll-shaped pendant hangs down from the chains, its base decorated with tiny dangling spherical bells, its rounded surface decorated with a large gold plaque with a floral motif. Above that are seven gold flowers. All of the gold ranges from 10 to 15 karats, while the silver is roughly 75% pure. Over two dozen rubies, a dozen sapphires, five emeralds, and assorted colorful glass and semi-precious stone beads form borders around the gold plaques on the chain, each tiny and round, creating a brilliant profusion of colors, especially when under a light source. Four seed pearls, two at the top of each chain, demarcate the two loops at the top that form the clasp. Size: 5.2" W x 11.5" H (13.2 cm x 29.2 cm); total weight: 272.15 grams

Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA

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#139953

A few of the precious stones and glass beads are broken or lost, but most are remaining and intact. Matte patina on metallic surfaces testifies to the age of the piece. Clasp is not present but otherwise this is wearable. Slight bending to form. Old handwritten characters in black ink on the undecorated back of one silver piece.