Pair of Diamond-Inset Enamelled Gold and Seed-Pearl Cluster Earrings
Date20th century
PeriodBritish India/Princely States
MediumEnameled gold, diamonds, seed pearls
DimensionsOverall: 2 1/8 x 5/8 in. (5.4 x 1.6cm)
ClassificationsJewelry
Credit LineGift of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Courtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
Object number57.93a-b
DescriptionThese earrings are composed of two elements each: a post in the shape of a flower and a cluster of seed pearls. The posts are inset with a central diamond surrounded by a green, blue and white enameled flower. Enameled red loops with elongated seed pearls hang from the sides of the flowers. From the center is suspended a teardrop-shaped green enameled form with further red enameled loops, each with its own pearl and green bead. The back of floral post is enameled in red and green floral designs on a white ground. Pearls have been used in traditional Indian jewelry since ancient times. Although pearl fisheries existed off the coast of south India, the most abundant source of pearls was the Persian Gulf. The enameling suggests the earrings were made in northern India, perhaps Jaipur or Varanasi.On View
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