Necklace

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Necklace

18th century

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

This ornate necklace combines white sapphires set in gold with delicate enamelwork. Although enamel is not indigenous to India, by the seventeenth century skilled enamellers were working at both the Mughal and Rajput royal courts. The enamel would lay against the skin, a hidden decoration considered to be a secret pleasure for only the wearer to enjoy. There was also a practical reason to enamel: twenty-two-carat gold is very soft and scuffs easily. Enameling the reverse, which is in direct contact with the skin, reduces abrasion and the loss of metal. The enamel itself lends rigidity to the object made of thin sheet gold.

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Object Details

Title:

Necklace

Date:

18th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Gold inlaid with white sapphire; back enameled red, white, and green, pearls and green stone pendant and center; gold thread chain and slide closure

Dimensions:

33 x 2 1/2 x 3/16 inches (83.8 x 6.4 x 0.5 cm)

Classification:

Jewelry

Credit Line:

Gift of Richard C. Bull, 1984

Accession Number:

1984-138-1

Geography:

Made in northern India, India, Asia Possibly made in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Asia

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