Centuries of Opulence: Jewels of India

Dancing Shiva Pendant
Tamil Nadu
20th century
Ruby, emerald, diamond, blue sapphire and cat’s-eye chrysoberyl in 22K gold
7 x 9 cm.

In this gold pendant, a host of gemstones form a mosaic of the god Shiva dancing on the demon of ignorance and greed. Lord Shiva’s face is carved out of a blue sapphire. Above his head, carved in emerald, is the monstrous “face of glory” kirtimukha (also known as the mascot of hope).

Courtesy of a private collection. Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA.