A White Sapphire Torque

Provenance

Purchased from Maharajah of Vijaynagar in 1950s

Literature

For similar examples see Usha R. Bala Krishnan and Meera Sushil Kumar, Indian Jewellery, Dance of the Peacock, Delhi, 1987, National
Museum of Delhi, India (96-234) 351a and 351b, p.212
Rita Devi Sharma and M. Varadarajan, Handcrafted Indian Enamel Jewellery, National Museum of New Delhi, p.52-3

Description / Expertise

This broad close-fitting gold necklace is set with white sapphires in the kundan style. Two lions flank a central flower leading into scrolling
vines and flowers pierced to produce a lace-like effect. A floral pendant
hangs from the central portion mounted with a Basra pearl.
The reverse shows fine mina work in the Benares style of gulabi mina
depicting the same lions flanking a central flower and birds amongst
the rest of the floral rosettes. The heavy gold chain is mounted with
the symbol of Surya and closes with a gold flower clasp. The central
pendant is also decorated with gulabi mina depicting parrots and
peacocks surrounding a bird with outstretched wings.