Details
EMERALD, DIAMOND AND NATURAL PEARL PENDANT BROOCH
Set with an engraved rectangular-cut emerald weighing approximately 17.12 cts., within a heart, old mine and old European-cut diamond frame, suspending a faceted diamond bead and natural pearl measuring approximately 21.50 x 11.90 mm, with a diamond cap, flanked on each side by a diamond briolette and bead drop, mounted in 18K gold
With certificate 4262999 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the pearl is natural
Total weight of circular, bead, heart and briolette-cut diamonds approximately 4.20, 3.75, 3.60 and 2.85 cts.
The Persian tradition that gemstones are imbued with powers emanating from the gods dates to Vedic times (c.1500 BC). Such stones as emeralds, turquoise, rock crystal and spinel were considered the most desirable for engraving with talismanic inscriptions. The surface of large emeralds could be fashioned into flat or slightly curved plaques for this purpose while the reverse could be decorated with shallow carvings of flowers or foliage. Such plaques were engraved with images of deities, quotations from the Koran, sentimental or magical sayings, or statements of ownership.
The emerald in the center of the illustrated brooch bears a mirror image inscription, indicating that this plaque was originally a seal. The type of Arabic script on this emerald is called Ta'liq. It is dated on the right hand corner to the Islamic year, AH 1250 which in the western calendar is c. 1834-1835. The first line is translated as "Sovereignty belongs to God" and the second, "And dominion belongs to God."
Emeralds with engraved inscriptions of Islam are very rare today. For more information, see John Sinkankas, Emeralds and Other Beryls, 1981, pp.112-115 and for illustrations of other examples see V. B. Meen and A. D. Tushingham, Crown Jewels of Iran, 1974, page 122; the exhibition catalog, Sweat of the Sun, Tears of the Moon: Gold and Emeralds treasures of Colombia, held at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, July 4-September 6, 1981, page 53; and Christie's Geneva catalogue, Magnificent Jewels from the Collection of His Late Royal Highness Sir Sultan Mohamed Shah Aga Khan III, held on May 12, 1988, lots 703 and 704.
Set with an engraved rectangular-cut emerald weighing approximately 17.12 cts., within a heart, old mine and old European-cut diamond frame, suspending a faceted diamond bead and natural pearl measuring approximately 21.50 x 11.90 mm, with a diamond cap, flanked on each side by a diamond briolette and bead drop, mounted in 18K gold
With certificate 4262999 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the pearl is natural
Total weight of circular, bead, heart and briolette-cut diamonds approximately 4.20, 3.75, 3.60 and 2.85 cts.
The Persian tradition that gemstones are imbued with powers emanating from the gods dates to Vedic times (c.1500 BC). Such stones as emeralds, turquoise, rock crystal and spinel were considered the most desirable for engraving with talismanic inscriptions. The surface of large emeralds could be fashioned into flat or slightly curved plaques for this purpose while the reverse could be decorated with shallow carvings of flowers or foliage. Such plaques were engraved with images of deities, quotations from the Koran, sentimental or magical sayings, or statements of ownership.
The emerald in the center of the illustrated brooch bears a mirror image inscription, indicating that this plaque was originally a seal. The type of Arabic script on this emerald is called Ta'liq. It is dated on the right hand corner to the Islamic year, AH 1250 which in the western calendar is c. 1834-1835. The first line is translated as "Sovereignty belongs to God" and the second, "And dominion belongs to God."
Emeralds with engraved inscriptions of Islam are very rare today. For more information, see John Sinkankas, Emeralds and Other Beryls, 1981, pp.112-115 and for illustrations of other examples see V. B. Meen and A. D. Tushingham, Crown Jewels of Iran, 1974, page 122; the exhibition catalog, Sweat of the Sun, Tears of the Moon: Gold and Emeralds treasures of Colombia, held at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, July 4-September 6, 1981, page 53; and Christie's Geneva catalogue, Magnificent Jewels from the Collection of His Late Royal Highness Sir Sultan Mohamed Shah Aga Khan III, held on May 12, 1988, lots 703 and 704.