Indian Multi-Strand Necklace with Plaque Amulet Depicting Kali

Kali in gold, hung from a river of blue beads. She came to protect.

This multi-strand necklace with a plaque amulet depicting Kali is Hindu, from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the 19th century. It is 22 karat gold with Afghani lapis seed beads. The catalogue explains that plaque amulets were worn against the body to win a deity's favor, and that Kali, goddess of time and change, is meant to drive away harm. The arched plaque shows her standing with arms held out, under a small floral loop. Many fine strands gather to a blue cord and tassel. Sixteen inches long.

Made to keep harm away. Few jewels are asked to work so hard.