Indian Gold & Enamelled Gem-Set Navaratna Pendant

This large, fine, pierced, floral-form pendant is of gold (most probably over a lac core) set with nine  nava-ratna gems, including an emerald, a citrine, coral, moonstone and a sapphire, all around a large, faceted ruby, and interspersed with diamonds.

Untracht (1997, p. 309) says that in Dravidian south India, the nava-ratna gemstones are used as a rosary but elsewhere in India, they are used as a talismanic device. The nine gems have multiple meanings and associations. One is that each gem represents the nine celestial Hindu deities and the nine ‘planets’.

A large tear-shaped baroque pearl is suspended from the lower part of the pendant.  A  gold loop (set with a diamond) is at the upper end, to allow suspension.

The reverse is beautifully enamelled in pink, cream and green enamels with Mughal-inspired flower motifs. The dominant use of pink is typical of Benares enamel work.

The pendant is in an excellent condition, and is highly wearable.