Lot 300. An enamelled and gem-set Navratna necklace, India, late 18th century. Estimate 10,000 — 15,000 GBP. Lot sold  15,000 GBP. Photo Sotheby’s

comprising linked elements of octagonal form supporting a floral rosette pendant, each set with gemstones of varying colours, including white sapphires, pink coral, emeralds, rubies and diamonds, the reverse decorated with flowering plants and floral rosettes in white, green and red enamel, cabouchon ruby drop pendant; 19cm. length

Note: This necklace displays the navratna jewels closely associated with Hindu astrology, where each of the precious stones symbolise the nine planets and their associated deities. The nine celestial deities are called nava-graha and are made up of the Sun (Surya); Moon (Candra); Mercury (Budha); Venus (Shukra); Saturn (Shani); Mars (Mangala; Jupiter (Brhaspati); Ascending Node, or Dragon’s Head (Rahu); and the Descending Node, or Dragon’s Tail (Ketu). The navratnagroup of jewels are said to be an amulet of great defensive and remedial advantage. See Untracht 1997, pp.304-309 for a thorough discussion of navratna jewels and their associated deities and attributes.

Sotheby’s. Art of Imperial India, Londres, 08 oct. 2014