An Impressive Gold Necklace. Kerala, South India, late 19th century. Photo Christie's Ltd 2012

With beads in the form of seed pods, each set with foiled cabochon rubies, interspersed with stylised leaves, the lock with peacocks at either side; 33¼in. (84.5cm.) long - 390 g. Price Realized £17,500

Notes: This necklace would have formed part of a bride's dowry. A similar necklace is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Andrew Topsfield, Ed., In the Realm of Gods and Kings, Arts of India, London, 2004, cat.21, p.68-9).

Christie's. Arts of India. 1 October 2012. London, South Kensington