Necklace

Art Historical Context

This exquisite 19th-century silver necklace hailing from the Islamic world, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of jewelry in that era. Measuring 8⅝ inches high and 10⅝ inches wide, its slender ⅜-inch depth suggests a delicate, wearable design suited for adornment during special occasions. As part of the Metropolitan Museum Art's Islamic Art department it reflects the region's longstanding tradition of ornate personal ornaments, often symbolizing status, protection, or celebration. Crafted in silver—a favored medium for its malleability and luster—such necklaces were typically fashioned using techniques like filigree, repoussé, or granulation, though the artist's anonymity underscores the communal artistry of Islamic workshops. These pieces held cultural importance beyond beauty, serving as heirlooms or talismans in daily and ceremonial life across Ottoman, Persian, or North African contexts. Generously bequeathed through the Edward C. Moore Collection in 1891, this necklace invites visitors to appreciate the enduring allure of Islamic decorative arts, bridging personal expression with broader historical narratives at The Met.