Vishnu Lakshmi Gold Ruby Pendant

Ruby-set Gold Pendant of Vishnu & Lakshmi with a Baroque Pearl

This fine, small gold pendant shows in relief Vishnu seated with his consort Lakshmi surrounded by a raised border inset with 25 small rubies. The reverse is of plain sheet gold.

The top is surmounted by a faceted loop to allow the pendant to be suspended. The bottom is fitted with a single pendant baroque pearl.

Gold is imbued with a spiritual component in much of India. It is a symbol of the sun and also associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Indians, rich or poor, all tried to have at least a small quantity of gold even if just a simple pair of earrings, for gold was coveted (Bala Krishnan

et al, 2005, p. 17).

It is suspended on a later black cord with a small gold fastener, and is wearable and stable. The pendant itself has a fine patina and shows pleasing signs of wear and use. It was made to be worn by a person rather than to decorate a Hindu statue.

Bala Krishnan, U.R. et al, Icons in Gold: Jewelry of India from the Collection of the Musee Barbier-Mueller, Somogy, 2005.

private UK collection