Jewelled South Indian Necklace (Manga Malai)

This necklace is distinctly South Indian in style. Known as a 'mango' necklace (manga malai, literally necklace of mangoes) this term is taken from the characteristic shape of the individual pendants (padakkams) used to form the necklace. Much Indian jewellery is inspired by nature – flowers, fruits, buds and leaves – however, in Hindu mythology the mango is believed to be a wish-fulling tree and a symbol of love. Such necklaces can be traced back to the Chola period (4th century BCE-3rd century CE) if not earlier, and traditionally extended down to the waist; over time many necklaces were broken up, with their wealth distributed amongst family members. This example is shortened and made of thirty-four units, each set with a combination of cabochon rubies, emeralds and diamonds.