Pair of Gold, Diamond & Emerald Earrings, India, 19th century

Pair of Gold, Diamond & Emerald Swaying Earrings (Jimki)

Each of this pair of gold ‘chandalier’ swaying earrings known as jimki comprises a gold dome set with dozens of rose-cut diamonds in lattice formation decorated with a an emerald bead fringe and a similarly-designed diamond and emerald drop. All of this is suspended from a gold top mount designed as a flower set with more rose-cut diamonds and with a pair of suspended diamonds from which there are more suspended emeralds, and a pair of loops that hold more suspended emerald beads.

The reverse of the flower-form top mounts are decorated with fine floral red, cream and green enamel work.

The earrings have screw back mechanisms with further latch back supports.

Indian jewellery is designed not just to enhance the form of the body and its elements but also its movement, and so it is with these earrings which move and shimmer in the light enhancing the movement of the wearer.

The earrings are in excellent condition with only light wear and minor enamel loss.

Aitken, M.E., When Gold Blossoms: Indian Jewelry from the Susan L. Beningson Collection, Asia Society & Philip Wilson Publishers, 2004.

UK art market