Rudrakshamala Necklace, early 19th century, x W.(at widest point in pendant)4-3/8 x in., Rudraksha berries, 22k gold, silver, rubies, and semiprecious stones, 19th century, This elaborate gold necklace once adorned the neck of a Brahman priest or wealthy Chettiar (a male member of a mercantile community with roots in Tamil Nadu in southern India). He would have worn it on very special occasions, or donated it to a temple. Its chain, made of Rudraksha beads from a tree believed to be sacred to the Hindu god Shiva, is attached to three golden lozenges decorated with rubies

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Size: 4735px × 6796px
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Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 19th, century, early, necklace, rudrakshamala