All old gold in India is high carat; 22 or 24ct.

This incredible gold necklace is composed mostly of 38 shellac filled gold beads, with a central pendant depicting 'Yellama Devi', a much loved goddess of Karnataka, referred to by her devotees as 'Mother of the Universe'. 

Yellama is an avatar of Durga, she represents feminine power, fertility and is also a known protector of women. 

The 38 round beads test at 90% gold purity, and give a very warm, buttery effect. Also included are 6 smaller, hollow melon beads, 4 rudraksha seed beads and a lovely pair of antique mediterranean corals, traded in to South India in antiquity.

The pendant itself has gold front and sides, with a thin silver back; the whole structure is built around a shellac core, to give strength and volume. The pink stone is routinely either glass or synthetic ruby.

The necklace has some of the original cotton cord at the back, but has been restrung recently, and knotted on pure red silk.