Necklace

This is an ornate piece consisting of a large bejeweled gold pendant centered on a necklace of multiple strands of pearls. The openwork pendant is of a 2 headed bird-of-prey. It is composed of gold filigree and set with numerous cabochon and faceted emeralds, and small rubies. The piece contains numerous Gulf pearls, which were acquired through the existing trade networks between the Gulf and North Africa during the 18th century. From each side, the pendant attaches to a cluster of 10 strands of Gulf seed pearls with a large conical gold filigree spacer bead halfway up its length. Purple and green stone beads further decorate the sides of the necklace, strung before and after the pearl clusters. The necklace closes with a simple hook-in-loop fastening.