Qajar Diamond Brooch

This fine brooch comprises 80 old cut diamonds in a silver frame and which spell out the Shahada – the fundamental declaration of the Islamic faith – in diamonds against a red enamel background.

The diamonds have much more sparkle in real life than has been captured in the photographs.

The full rendering of the Shahada  is the equivalent of ‘There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.’

Diamond brooches such as this example often were presented in Qajar Persia in the 19th century as official gifts. They were worn by both men and women. This example is not in gold and so most probably was intended for a man. (Generally, Islamic tradition forbade men from wearing gold jewellery.)