Indian Stone Necklace with Kundun

The stones face the room. The enameled back is for the wearer alone.

This necklace with kundun comes from India, and it combines Basra pearls, rubies, emeralds and diamonds with a gold and cloisonne back pendant. Kundun is the Indian tradition of setting stones in highly refined gold, and such jewels were worn at court and at weddings as a display of family standing. Several strands of tiny pearls twist together, flecked with small red beads. The pendant is an openwork gold shield set with red stones around a pale center, with a green stone above and a single pearl drop below. Sixteen inches long.

One side is for company. The other is for you.