Gold & Pearl Tika Pendant, Jaipur, India, 18th-19th century

Gold & Pearl Tikka Pendant

This pendant was traditional worn on the forehead but now can more routinely be worn as a pendant from a necklace. It is of enamelled gold and inset with ruby and zircon cabochons. The zircons are backed with green foil.

Seven baroque pearls are suspended from the ornament.

The reverse of the ornament is decorated in cream, red and green enamel with Mughal-inspired floral motifs.

One of related form is illustrated in Stronge

et al (1988, p. 57).

The pendant dates to the 18th century and possibly to the early 19th century. There is some degradation to the foil backing on the stones and some wear to the gold elsewhere. But it is stable and wearable.