18th century, with 19th century alterations

Navaratna Pendant

Each of the nine gems inserted into a navaratna pendant relates to a planet in the solar system (nava = nine; ratna = gem). Typically a person should only wear stones related to their personal astrological chart, but by setting them together the powers of all the planets can be united in one amulet. The sun is represented by a ruby and is usually at the center; it is often surrounded by a diamond (Venus), pearl (moon), coral (Mars), emerald (Mercury), topaz (Jupiter), and sapphire (Saturn). A cat’s-eye and hessonite complete the nine, representing different nodes of the moon. Interestingly, the ruby that probably once formed the center of this pendant has been removed and replaced with an emerald decorated with a Persian inscription.