Lot 276
A mutli-gem and enamel Indian Navaratna bracelet
Auction: 17 September 2025 from 10:00 BST
Description
Collet-set with various gemstones including lapis lazuli, pearl, and turquoise, etc. to square links, floral enamel detail to reverse, decorative bead clasp, unmarked
Dimensions
Length: 22.0cm
Footnote
The term Navaratna is a compound word translating to ‘nine gems’. When worn in a piece of jewellery, each gem corresponds to one of the nine planets of the Hindu astrological system. The Hindu astrological system relates a celestial body to a Hindu deity with each celestial body having a specific corresponding gemstone. These nine deities are collectively called the Navagraha and collectively are believed to have the power to influence humanity and determine their fate. Navaratna jewellery therefore is meant to be representative of these deities and to call their protection, with each deity able to assist with a different challenge or protect from specific harm.
The history of the Navaratna can be dated back to the 10th century, mentioned in the Agastimata which details the history and characteristics of gemstones used in jewellery at the time. While the gems used in these jewellery pieces are meant to correspond to their respective celestial bodies and deities, due to their expense, some pieces use representative gems such as citrine in place of yellow sapphire. These pieces can also contain more than nine gems depending on the intended use of the wearer.