http://collection.shangrilahawaii.org/internal/media/dispatcher/44151/fullPair of Eight-Pointed Star-Shaped Gold Navaratna Earrings with Enamelled (Kundun) Floral Ornamentation on Reverse19th centuryOverall: 13/16 in. (2.1cm)Enameled gold, diamond, pearl, coral, cat's eye, sapphire, emerald, ruby, hyacinth, topazGift of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Courtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.57.117a-b1These earrings are composed of eight stones (red coral, cat’s eye, sapphire, emerald, ruby, hyacinth, and topaz) around a central diamond, forming eight-pointed stars. The stones are set using the kundan technique, in which strips of pure gold are applied around the stones to create a mount. Kundan-set stones are often backed by gold or silver foil, which catches the light and adds to their luminosity.
The nine stones represent the navaratna (Sanskrit for “nine gems”). This auspicious combination of gems corresponds with the sun, moon, and planets and was believed to endow the wearer with planetary energy. The navaratna originated with Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Sihk traditions and was adopted by the Mughals.Jewelry0E-102.06380000000E-101647775071