Description:

Lot 101. A GOLD, DIAMOND AND MULTI-GEM BIRD PENDANT
India, 19th Century

Fashioned in high-carat gold, this pendant takes the form of a stylised bird in full spread, its surface inset with cabochon rubies, emeralds, and table-cut diamonds arranged within raised kundan settings. The chest is centred by a prominent diamond bordered by alternating green and red stones, while the wings and tail are symmetrically patterned in concentric registers of colour. Suspended from the lower edge and wingtips are faceted gold beads terminating in tiny pearls, adding movement and brilliance to the design. The bird’s head is finely chased with feather detail, its beak and crest delineated in repoussé relief.

The reverse is fully worked in chased gold, depicting the plumage in overlapping feather motifs with meticulous linear tooling, each wing and tail segment modelled to mirror the structure of the obverse.

Jewels of this type were produced in royal and regional workshops across India during the 18th and 19th centuries, combining goldsmithing, gem-setting, and enamelling traditions in the kundan technique. Avian pendants symbolised protection, status, and auspicious vitality, and were often worn as emblems of imperial or divine favour within Mughal and post-Mughal courtly adornment.



Height: 7cm

Weight: 57g

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November 4, 2025 1:00 PM GMT
London, United Kingdom

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