A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.
From Tamil Nadu: Indian Gold Lakshmi Pendant set with Diamonds, Rubies & Emeralds, late 19th to early 20th century Width: 4.2cm, length: 4.8cm, weight: 16g.
"This gold pendant decorated with a central standing figure of Lakshmi beneath a protective hooded cobra, is possibly from a workshop in the important pilgrimage city of Madurai. It is made of 18 carat gold, most probably over a lac core. It is set with five relatively large rose-cut diamonds and nine smaller ones. There are nine large ruby cabochons and six smaller ones, and a pendant fringe of 27 tiny emerald beads.
"The gold suspension loop at the top has later British assay marks.
"Pendants like these were used as an ornament on a long hair braid on the back of a woman’s head and would have been worn on festive occasions. They also were worn as pendants suspended from a necklace." Michael Backman.
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