Flexible Indian Silver Chain Necklace (Kamardani)

This necklace is of a type of work known as kamardani. 

It is composed entirely of almost-pure silver and as such is noticeably heavy for its size.

The style of chain is loop in loop with a hooked closure. The finished chain is drawn through a drawplate to make it smooth, and then with age and wear, the surface becomes even smoother and supple, a process that is aided bu the softness and purity of the silver.

The effect of the flexible, loop-in-loop chain is that its movement imitates that of a snake, which has associations in Hinduism with fertility and creation.

Belts or necklaces of similar silver wire work are illustrated in Untracht (1997, p. 242 ) and Leurquin (2004, p. 143).

Overall, this is a fine, wearable necklace in excellent condition.