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Centerpiece of an Armband

Cartier French
18th–19th century and ca. 1920
Not on view
Armbands, called bazubands in Persian, were known in ancient Iran and India. Worn by both men and women, they appear in Mughal paintings of courtly life. This centerpiece of an armband consists of emeralds, colorless sapphires, and very fine rubies arranged in three flower-like groupings. When the armband was transformed into a brooch by Cartier (Paris), rows of pearls were added to its original form.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Centerpiece of an Armband
  • Maker: Cartier (French, founded Paris, 1847)
  • Date: 18th–19th century and ca. 1920
  • Geography: Attributed to Northern India
  • Medium: Gold, inset with rubies, emeralds, and colorless sapphires; with later pearls, diamonds, onyx
  • Dimensions: W. 2 in. (5.1 cm)
    D. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
  • Classification: Jewelry
  • Credit Line: Gift of George Blumenthal, 1941
  • Object Number: 41.100.118
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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