Pair of Eight-Pointed Star-Shaped Gold Navaratna Earrings with Enamelled (Kundun) Floral Ornamentation on Reverse
Date19th century
PeriodMughal
MediumEnameled gold, diamond, pearl, coral, cat's eye, sapphire, emerald, ruby, hyacinth, topaz
DimensionsOverall: 13/16 in. (2.1cm)
ClassificationsJewelry
Credit LineGift of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Courtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
Object number57.117a-b
DescriptionThese 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.
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19th century
19th century
