Navaratna Pendant

Currently not on view

Navaratna Pendant

18th century, with 19th century alterations

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Each of the nine gems inserted into a navaratna pendant relates to a planet in the solar system (nava = nine; ratna = gem). Typically a person should only wear stones related to their personal astrological chart, but by setting them together the powers of all the planets can be united in one amulet. The sun is represented by a ruby and is usually at the center; it is often surrounded by a diamond (Venus), pearl (moon), coral (Mars), emerald (Mercury), topaz (Jupiter), and sapphire (Saturn). A cat’s-eye and hessonite complete the nine, representing different nodes of the moon. Interestingly, the ruby that probably once formed the center of this pendant has been removed and replaced with an emerald decorated with a Persian inscription.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Navaratna Pendant

Date:

18th century, with 19th century alterations

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Gold, enamel, foiled paste, precious, and semiprecious stones

Dimensions:

2 1/16 × 2 × 1/2 inches (5.2 × 5.1 × 1.3 cm)

Classification:

Jewelry

Credit Line:

Gift of Anne d'Harnoncourt and Joseph Rishel in honor of Jean Sutherland Boggs, 1999

Accession Number:

1999-161-1

Geography:

Made in Rajasthan, India, Asia or made in Uttar Pradesh, India, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Mughal Dynasty (1526-1858)

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Currently not on view